DOTr: Fully manned counters, auto ticketing for Holy Week

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) recommended fully manned immigration counters at airports and automated ticketing systems at seaports for a smoother travel experience during the Holy Week.

In an interview on Tuesday, DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon advised passengers to arrive four to five hours before their scheduled flights due to expected surge in travel during the Holy Week.

Dizon emphasized the importance of fully staffed immigration counters to manage increased passenger volume and instructed agencies to ensure counters are manned even if it means officers reporting earlier.

Overseas Filipino workers have begun arriving early at airports to avoid delays, with many sharing emotional tolls of spending holidays away from families.

Authorities are opting to confiscate bullet-shaped amulets rather than offloading passengers to reduce inconvenience during the travel rush.

Manual inspections at seaports continue to prevent overloading of sea vessels, and shipping lines found guilty of violating this rule face penalties.

Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) reported reaching their expected passenger peak with around 500 passengers boarding early Tuesday morning, estimating a total of 1,400 passengers including those who traveled earlier.