Multiple measures are already put in place by the department.
Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez, in an interview, assured passengers that the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and its attached agencies have prepared measures to ensure passenger safety and comfort amid the onslaught of Typhoon Tino in the country.
According to him, he has directed the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) to implement a “no sail policy” in the ports of Batangas, Mindoro, Biliran, Leyte and other areas affected by the weather disturbance.
Alongside that, there must also be emergency personnel, rescue boats and safety equipment statined in these sea ports.
“Dahil nga po dito sa bagyo, nagpulong na kami ng mga sectors sa ilalim ng DOTr. May mga reports na pong naibigay sa akin na may mga stranded na tayong pasahero sa pantalan,” with Lopez noting that from the “no sail policy” begins even when a place is under Signal No. 1.
“We are prepared. Ganun naman ang aming patakaran na we’re expecting for the worst, especially kapag may mga stranded. Kailangan lang alagaan namin sila [mga pasahero]. I will make sure na kapag may mga ganitong insidente at scenario, safe sila sa ating mga infrastructure,” assured the acting chief.
According to the PCG at 12 noon on Monday, 988 passengers were stranded in ports, while 70 Roll-on Roll-off (Ro-Ro) are not allowed to ferry due to water conditions.
“Usually, ang may pananagutan po d’yan ay ang ating mga ship owners, especially dito sa ating mga pantalan. Kaya nga ang sinasabi ko dapat online ‘yan [ticket bookings]. Tulad sa mga airlines natin, kapag may ganitong masasamang panahon ang may obligasyon d’yan at inisyatibo ay mga airlines,” with Lopez stressing the responsibility of these companies to their customers.
Meanwhile, he also told airlines that there shall be rebooking fees and additional charges, as well as an optional refund option for passengers with canceled flights.
The transport department must also provide food, drinks, and medical kits for stranded passengers, separate from the own provision of the airlines themselves.
Both the Land Transportation Office (LTO) amd Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) are also monitoring bus terminals and are instructed to help commuters that may be stranded from the typhoon, especially those that just came back from their respective ‘Undas’ holidays.