PCG expects seaport passenger volume increase this weekend

MANILA, Philippines — With the long holiday weekend starting today until Aug. 26, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is expecting an increase in the volume of passengers at seaports, including those heading to tourist destinations.

PCG acting spokesman Commodore Algier Ricafrente said that a higher volume of passengers, comprising mostly of tourists, would most likely occur in the short route ports like Batangas to Calapan in Oriental Mindoro and mainland Aklan to Boracay Island.

With the expected increased activity at the seaports, Ricafrente said their personnel in the concerned stations and sub-stations would implement the necessary safety measures to maintain order at the ports.

The PCG would be on the lookout for unscrupulous passenger boat operators and boat captains intending to take advantage of the high number of passengers, in a hurry to reach their destinations and offer their colorum services.

Holiday pay

Meanwhile, workers who opt to enjoy the holiday and not report for work today are not getting any pay, according to the Department of Labor and Employment.

In an advisory, DOLE noted the “no work no pay” principle applies during special non-working days like today.

“Unless there is a favorable company policy, practice or collective bargaining agreement granting payment on a special day, ‘no work no pay’ principle applies,” DOLE said.

Meanwhile, those who will be reporting for work shall be paid an additional 30 percent of their basic wage on the first eight hours of work.

Those who render overtime work shall be paid an additional 30 percent of their hourly rate.

Employees who will be required to report on Ninoy Aquino Day, which coincides with their rest day, shall be paid an additional 50 percent of their basic wage on the first eight hours of work and another 30 percent for overtime work.

On National Heroes’ Day, workers who will be reporting for work shall receive double their regular daily pay. Services rendered beyond eight hours shall be paid an additional 30 percent of the worker’s hourly rate.

DOLE said employees who will report for work on Monday that falls on their rest day shall get an additional 30 percent on top of the 200 percent pay.  An additional 30 percent of the hourly rate will be added for services beyond eight hours.

Those who will not report for work shall receive 100 percent of their regular daily pay. – Mayen Jaymalin