After fake News, Rice: Fake boat ticket also proliferating

CEBU, Philippines - After the proliferation of fake news and fake rice, this time fake boat tickets also want to share the limelight.

Maritime Industry Authority-7 Regional Director Jose Venancio Vero, Jr. urged the public to buy boat tickets from authorized ticketing centers only to avoid buying fake tickets.

During the Kapihan sa Pantalan, Vero said they received a complaint from a passenger who has allegedly bought a fake boat ticket.

After the investigation, they found out that the ticket was indeed fake and the shipping company likewise confirmed that the ticket was not genuine.

"Dapat ang mga pasahero dili mopalit og tickets bisan asa lang labi na og naa lang sa dalan nila gipalit by some unscrupulous individuals. Dapat adto ra gyud sa authorized ticketing outlets," said Vero.

He added once a fake ticket is found or discovered by the vessel's crew, the fake ticket holder has to purchase another ticket, making the passenger end up paying twice.

"Mao na ang pasahero nga makapalit og fake ticket unya mahibaw-an man gyud na inig inspection, makabayad na hinoon siya og usab," he said.

Vero added that to avoid rush in buying tickets, passengers should book their trips ahead of schedule.

Marina has a "no ticket, no boarding” policy.  If the passenger has already boarded the marine vessel without any ticket, he or she has to pay twice of the boat's fare.

"As much as possible, we discourage the practice of boarding without boat tickets," Vero said. (FREEMAN)