PPA eyes launch of ETMS within the year

The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is racing to complete its long-awaited Electronic Ticketing Management System (ETMS) before the year ends, aiming to streamline ticketing processes and eliminate fraudulent transactions.

According to PPA spokesperson Eunice Samonte, the agency targets to roll out the ETMS in time for the next travel peak, following the influx of passengers seen during Holy Week.

“Balak po itong matapos bago magtapos ang taon—hopefully para magamit na sa mga next peak season natin,” Samonte shared.

While the system was pilot-tested during the COVID-19 pandemic, it has yet to be fully implemented. Once operational, the ETMS will serve as a centralized platform for booking tickets across all PPA-affiliated shipping lines, eliminating the need to visit multiple websites and reducing the risk of fraud.

Samonte emphasized that the system will help curb the growing issue of fake tickets being sold by scammers, often via messaging apps like Viber. These fraudsters exploit unsuspecting travelers by offering overpriced tickets using the PPA logo and false promises of skipping port queues.

“Some fixers even offer tickets at triple the regular price, with claims that passengers won’t have to line up. But these are not connected to PPA or any shipping line,” she warned.

She also clarified that no additional insurance payments are required when purchasing tickets, contrary to what some scammers claim.

“Wala po tayong dapat bayaran na insurance sa ating mga barko. Kasama na po ito sa ticket na binibili ng
mga pasahero,” Samonte concluded.

With the full rollout of the ETMS, PPA hopes to provide a safer, more convenient, and scam-free travel experience for millions of Filipino passengers. TRACY CABRERA