Negros Oriental Governor Urges Action on Ticket Fixing at Dumaguete Port
DUMAGUETE – The governor is pressing the Philippine Ports Authority and Marina for clear action plans to resolve the ongoing ticketing issues at the port.
Governor Manuel Sagarbarria of Negros Oriental has urged the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) and the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) to take immediate action in response to mounting complaints regarding the presence of “ticket fixers” at the Dumaguete Port. According to the governor, these unauthorized practices are damaging the province’s reputation as a welcoming destination for tourists and are negatively affecting the local economy.
In a letter dated May 16, 2025, addressed to Rey Del Moro Jr., the acting manager of the Port Management Office for Negros Oriental and Siquijor, and John Lester Pitogo, head of Marina’s Dumaguete Extension Office, Sagarbarria raised concerns based on reports from passengers. He noted that travelers were being compelled to transact with unauthorized agents to secure ferry tickets—most commonly for trips to Siquijor and Dapitan.
Sagarbarria pointed out that passengers were often falsely informed that trips were fully booked, only to later find tickets available through these unofficial sources. He highlighted the inconvenience caused to passengers, including long wait times, missed departures, and the burden of paying higher prices.
He further warned that these problems are steering tourists away from Dumaguete as an entry point, with many opting for alternative ports, thus affecting businesses that rely heavily on visitor traffic.
Stakeholders have reportedly raised alarms over potential financial losses if the issue is not addressed. The governor mentioned that projections show a significant decline in tourism revenue due to the continued presence of fixers.
According to the report, Sagarbarria has requested the PPA and Marina to submit a comprehensive report detailing any existing actions and future plans aimed at resolving the issue permanently. He also indicated his readiness to escalate the matter, including requesting public hearings through the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and seeking legislative support from local officials.
The governor’s statement underscores the pressing need to clean up operations at the Dumaguete Port to safeguard both the province’s tourism industry and economic well-being.
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