Gov’t eyes more shipping routes to ease transport woes

The government is looking into the possible establishment of more shipping routes in the country to provide alternative transportation for the public.

President Duterte asked Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade to study the opening of additional sea transportation lines and offer tax incentives for ferry services.

Duterte made the proposal after receiving complaints about the country's limited ferry routes depriving travelers, especially the poor, of alternative

transport.

"I’d like to call the attention of Tugade to study. Eh kung ano ‘di government will subsidize by way of tax exemption para maibalik lang ‘yungmga barko-barko [The government will subsidize by way of tax exemption to return the shipping lines]," the President said during the oath-taking of Northern Mindanao barangay captains in Cagayan de Oro City Monday.

In pushing for more ferry services in the country, Duterte took the cudgels for the poor passengers who are afraid of riding airplanes.

He said some passengers prefer to ride a ship than an airplane due to fear of flight. He also noted that some airline companies are strict with the agricultural cargo brought by passengers.

"Alam mo ‘yang mga mahirap magpunta ‘yan ng Maynila magdala ng mga manok, itlog, bigas. Pag-abot ng mga airline napaka-istrikto [The poor, when coming to Manila, usually bring chicken, eggs and rice but some airlines are too strict]," he said.

He said the poor passengers, who are not used to riding airplanes, are "put under severe stress."

"Barko, magdala sila ng manok, may mga relatives sila dito, magdala ogbugas. Eh ‘yun ang dapat. So ibalik talaga ‘yung barko. Bakit ewan ko kung bakit na putol [In ships, they bring chickens to their relatives here, bring some rice. That should be the case. We must bring back the ships. I don't know why it stopped]," he said.

Duterte said he recently learned that there was no direct ferry service between Davao and Manila, adding that passengers would still pass by General Santos to take the ship.

He said he intends to raise the country's sea transportation concerns in the next Cabinet meeting.