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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. ______ 
Introduced by Rep. MARIO VITTORIO “MARVEY” A. MARIÑO 
5th District, Batangas 
AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE RIGHTS OF PASSENGERS AND 
OBLIGATIONS OF DOMESTIC SHIPOWNERS/OPERATORS IN CASE 
OF CANCELLED, DELAYED AND UNFINISHED/UNCOMPLETED 
VOYAGES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
Section 1. Short title. - This Act shall be known and cited as the “Maritime 
Passengers Bill of Rights of 2019.” 
Section 2. Declaration of Policy. – It is hereby declared that to provide 
a clear outline of the rights of the passengers and the obligations of the 
shipowner/operator in case of cancelled, delayed, and unfinished/uncompleted 
voyage as well as the remedies available to the former in case of violations and/or 
non-compliance therewith by the latter. 
Section 3. Coverage. - This Act shall apply to all liner passenger-carrying 
ships registered under the Philippine laws and plying the internal waters of the 
Philippines whose ships are under the following circumstances: 
a)
Cancelled Voyage;
b)
Delayed Voyage; and/or,
c)
Unfinished/Uncompleted Voyage.
Section 4. Definition of Terms. - For purposes of this Act, the following 
terms and phrases shall have the meaning as herein below indicated: 
1.
“Cancelled Voyage” refers to one that has been called off and deferred
to the next day or more than twenty-four (24) hours from the scheduled departure 
or arrival of the ship or to an indefinite date and time.  This covers voyages where 
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passengers have been displaced or denied boarding due to overbooking or errors 
in booking.  The voyage is deemed cancelled as to such displaced passengers. 
2.
“Shipowner/Operator” refers to any person, corporation, firm or
association who undertakes to transport persons or things indiscriminately from 
one place to another, for a corresponding fee or compensation. 
3.
“Contract of Carriage/Ticket” refers to a document evidencing the
agreement between the shipowner/operator and the passenger for the former to 
transport the latter to his/her destination. 
4.
“Delayed Voyage” refers to a voyage involving late departure of the
ship from its port of origin and/or late arrival thereof to its port of destination for 
a period of time not exceeding twenty-four (24) hours from the scheduled time of 
departure or arrival of the ship.  
5.
“Liner Passenger-carrying Ship” refers to a ship engaged in the
carriage of passengers in domestic shipping with regular ports of call/destination 
and fixed sailing schedules and frequency. 
6.
“Fortuitous Event” refers to the occurrence by chance without cause
or relation or without human intervention. 
7.
“Passenger” refers to every person other than:
7.1 The master and the members of the crew or other persons employed or 
engaged in any capacity on board a ship on the business of that ship; 
7.2  A person on board and carried either because of the obligation laid upon 
the master to carry shipwrecked, distressed or other person by reason of 
force majeure; 
It shall refer to persons embarking on, on board, or disembarking from a ship 
engaged in domestic shipping to include the following such as, but not limited to, 
those who are paying, non-paying, minor, infant, holding discounted or 
complimentary tickets and/or accommodated passengers, including those 
passengers who are accompanying cargoes, vehicles or animals. 
8.
“Refund” refers to the amount as reflected in the ticket paid back
without any charges or deductions to the owner of said ticket who is not able to 
board the particular ship bound to his/her destination regardless of whether the 
ticket was purchased as a regular, budget, or promo fare. 
9.
“Revalidation” refers to the shipowner/operator’s acknowledgment
that an unused ticket may be used for another voyage. 
10.
“Sailing Schedule” refers to the ship’s time of departure and arrival
as provided for in its CPC/PA/SP or any other forms of authority to operate. 
11.
“Ship” refers to any kind, class or type of craft or artificial contrivance
capable of floating in water, designed to be used, or capable of being used, as a 


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means of floating in water transport in the domestic trade in the carriage of 
passengers or cargo, or both, utilizing its own motive power or that of another. 
12.
“Unfinished/Uncompleted Voyage” refers to a voyage that has been
commenced but has failed to reach its port of destination. 
SECTION 5. - RIGHTS OF PASSENGERS IN CASE OF CANCELLED 
VOYAGES.- In case of cancellation of a voyage for causes attributable to the 
shipowner/operator, the passengers shall have the following rights: 
1.
The passengers are entitled to have the full amount of their tickets
refunded plus the applicable amount based on the table below, or that provided 
for by the shipowner/operator, if any, whichever is higher; or, 
Ship Size per GT 
Amount (Php) 
100 and below 
500 
Above 100-250 
1,000 
Above 250-500 
2,000 
Above 500 
3,000 
2.
The Passengers may opt to have their ticket revalidated.  In this case,
the shipowner/operator shall: 
a)
Ensure that the passengers shall be given priority over walk-in
passengers to take the voyage of another ship owned by the
shipowner/operator or by another shipowner/operator bound for the same
destination or to the nearest route, which other ship is scheduled to depart
at the same time as that of the ship whose voyage is cancelled or at a time
immediately subsequent thereto. Otherwise, the passengers shall be
scheduled for the said other ship’s next available voyage. In all cases, no
additional costs shall be charged against the passenger.
b)
Provide to passengers, while they are awaiting their re-scheduled
voyage, the following:
b.1.
Accommodation that is commensurate to the prescribed value of the 
ticket, and must be located near or accessible from the port; 
b.2
Free transportation from the port to the inn/hotel and vice-versa; 
b.3
Refreshments or meals during mealtime; 
b.4
Free access to first aid/relief medicine; 
b.4
Free access to communication facilities; and, 
b.5
The applicable amount as per the ship’s size prescribed under Section 
5 (1), or that provided for by the shipowner/operator, if any, 
whichever is higher. 


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The shipowner/operator shall not be obliged to provide those under Items 
b.1 and b.2 above if the passengers may be accommodated in the voyage of other
ship(s) owned by the shipowner/operator or by another shipowner/operator bound
for the same destination or to the nearest route, the departure schedule of which
is not more than two (2) hours from the departure schedule of the passengers’
cancelled voyage.
In case the cancellation is caused by a fortuitous event, the passengers still 
have the option to either request for a refund of the full amount of their ticket or 
to have their tickets revalidated.  However, they are no longer entitled to the rights 
enumerated under Section 5, paragraphs 2.a and 2.b to 2.b.5 hereof which may be 
invoked only if the cancellation is due to the fault or negligence of the 
shipowner/operator. 
SECTION 6. RIGHTS OF PASSENGERS IN CASE OF DELAYED 
VOYAGES. - In case of delay for reasons attributable to the shipowner/operator, 
the passengers shall have the following rights: 
1.
Delay for more than two (2) hours but not exceeding eight (8) hours from
the scheduled departure or arrival of the ship– the shipowner/operator shall
provide the following:
a)
Refreshments or Meals during mealtime;
b)
Free access to First Aid/Relief Medicine;
c)
Free access to communication facilities;
d)
Use of Facilities for Hygiene and Sanitation (i.e. Comfort Rooms) at
the expense of the shipowner/operator if the use of such facilities is
for a fee; and,
e)
The applicable amount based on the table below, or that provided for
by the shipowner/operator, if any, whichever is higher.
Ship Size per GTAmount (Php)
100 and below 
300 
Above 100-250 
500 
Above 250-500 
1,000 
Above 500 
1,500 
The exercise by the passengers of their right to demand a refund of the full amount 
of their tickets does not exonerate the shipowner/operator from paying the 
passengers the amount as indicated in paragraphs 1.e and 2.f of this section.  The 
passengers who accepted the payment shall relieve the shipowner/operator from 
any liability for damages arising from the aforesaid acts.  


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2.
Delay for more than eight (8) hours but not exceeding twenty-four (24) hours
from the scheduled departure or arrival of the ship – the shipowner/operator shall
provide the following:
a)
Accommodation that is commensurate to the prescribed value of the ticket,
and must be located near to or accessible from the port;
b)
Free transportation from the port to the inn/hotel and vice-versa;
c)
Refreshments or Meals during mealtime;
d)
Free access to First Aid/Relief Medicine;
e)
Free access to communication facilities; and,
f)
The applicable amount based on the table below, or that provided for by the
shipowner/operator, if any, whichever is higher.
Ship Size per GT 
Amount (Php) 
100 and below 
500 
Above 100-250 
1,000 
Above 250-500 
2,000 
Above 500 
3,000 
The above-enumerated rights may not be invoked against or demanded to be 
complied with by the shipowner/operator if the delay is caused by a fortuitous 
event or by acts or circumstances not attributable to the shipowner/operator.  
However, this is without prejudice to the right of the passengers to have a full 
refund of the amount of their tickets should they choose not to wait for the date 
and time when the ship will finally be able to commence its voyage and avail rather 
of the other modes of transportation to get to their destination.   
In either case, that is, whether the cause of the delay is the fault of the 
shipowner/operator or a fortuitous event, the shipowner/operator shall inform the 
passengers of any change or delay in the sailing schedules of the ship. 
SECTION 7.  
RIGHTS 
OF 
PASSENGERS 
IN 
CASE 
OF 
UNFINISHED/UNCOMPLETED VOYAGES. -In case the voyage cannot be 
completed for causes attributable to the shipowner/operator, the passengers shall 
have the following rights: 
1.
The passengers are entitled to have the full amount of their ticket refunded;
2.
The shipowner/operator is under obligation to transport the passengers to
the intended destination of the ship whose voyage was not completed at the
expense of the shipowner/operator either through another ship of the


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shipowner/operator or through an arrangement for a comparable transportation 
which would enable the passengers to arrive at their intended destination.   
3.
The shipowner/operator shall also be liable in the manner provided under
Section 6, paragraphs 1 and 2 hereof for the delay in their arrival at their intended
destination as a consequence of the unfinished/uncompleted voyage of the ship
originally boarded upon by the passengers.
In case the voyage cannot be completed by reason of a fortuitous event, the 
obligation and liability of the shipowner/operator is limited only to the free 
transportation of the passengers, either through another ship owned by the 
shipowner/operator or through an arrangement for a comparable transportation, 
bound for the same destination as that of the ship whose voyage was not completed 
or to a place nearest thereto.    
SECTION 8. RIGHTS OF COMPLIMENTARY TICKET HOLDERS AND 
NON-PASSENGERS. - All the rights of a passenger in case of a cancelled, 
delayed or unfinished/uncompleted voyage, except the monetary compensation 
provided for under Section 5, paragraph 2.b.5 and Section 6, paragraphs 1.e and 
2.f, shall apply to and may be exercised by holders of complimentary tickets.  They
are, for all intents and purposes, considered as passengers under this Act.
Persons scheduled to be or are on board a liner passenger-carrying ship but are 
not considered as passengers under this Act are entitled to the following: 
1.
To be informed of the cancellation, delay or non-completion of the voyage;
and,
2.
To be provided with refreshments or meals during mealtime while waiting
for the next available voyage in which they can be accommodated.
SECTION 9.  
ABSOLUTE EXEMPTION FROM LIABILITY. - The 
shipowner/operator does not incur any liability in cases of cancelled or delayed 
voyages if the cancellation or delay or fault is wholly attributable to the passengers 
themselves. 
SECTION 10.PROCEDURE FOR CLAIMING BENEFITS. - 
1.
In case of cancellation, delay, or failure of the ship to continue its voyage,
the shipowner/operator is under obligation to issue a written notification/advisory
to the passengers or to post an official announcement setting forth the
circumstances surrounding or leading to the cancellation, delay or inability of the
ship to continue its voyage.  The advisory or notification shall be issued
immediately.
2.
To be eligible to claim the benefits accruing out of the cancellation, delay or
non-completion of a ship’s voyage, the passengers must be able to present the
contract of carriage/ticket.


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3.
The compensation (refund of ticket, fees for use of facilities, etc.) as well as
the documents required to claim the other benefits to which the eligible passengers
are entitled, shall be paid and/or given by the shipowner/operator to the eligible
passengers on the date and place the cancellation or delay occurs.
In the case of unfinished/uncompleted voyage, the payment or issuance of 
documents may be made at the main or branch office of the shipowner/operator, 
or at any such place where the passengers may be subsequently transferred or 
transported. 
Section 11. VENUE. -All complaints for refusal by the shipowner/operator to 
extend the benefits as herein provided shall be filed at any MARINA office for 
appropriate action. 
Section 12. FINES AND PENALTIES. -Upon a finding after due notice and 
hearing in accordance with the Internal Rules and Regulations of this Act that the 
shipowner/operator is liable for violation/s of any provision of this Act, the 
shipowner/operator shall be directed to: 
1.
Pay the following fines and penalties:
a)
First violation  
=
P 10, 000 + 10-day suspension of 
operations of the ship involved
b)
Second violation
= 
P 20, 000 + 15-day suspension of operations of the 
ship involved
c)
Third and succeeding violations  =
P 30, 000 + cancellation of the ships’ 
authority to operate
Section 13. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE. -Should any provision or part of this 
Circular be declared by competent authority to be invalid and unconstitutional, 
the remaining provisions or parts thereof shall remain in full force and effect and 
shall continue to be valid and effective.  
Section 14. EFFECTIVITY CLAUSE. -This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) 
days after its publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines. 


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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. ______ 
Introduced by Rep. MARIO VITTORIO “MARVEY” A. MARIÑO 
5th District, Batangas 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Philippines is situated in the path of typhoons birthed in the Pacific Ocean 
thus, we always experience inclement weather especially during the rainy season. 
Inclement weather brought about by typhoons has caused the delay or cancellation 
of countless maritime trips resulting into thousands of passengers stranded and 
unprepared for such circumstances. 
Although the safety of these passengers remain the primordial concern behind the 
delayed or cancelled trips, the plight of the stranded passengers can actually be 
alleviated by proper planning and coordination between shipping companies and 
government agencies. 
Aside from fortuitous events being the cause of delays and cancellations, the more 
pressing concern are the delays and/or cancellations caused by the shipping 
companies themselves to the detriment of the passengers.   
While there is a DOTC-DTI Joint Memorandum Circular No. 1 s. 2012, mandating 
the Air Passenger Bill of Rights, there is no similar undertaking yet to protect our 
maritime passengers. Thus, the passage of this measure is earnestly requested. 
MARIO VITTORIO “MARVEY” A. MARIÑO 
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