₱700–₱900 for boating fee? Burnham boat operators warned, “₱500/HR LANG MUNA!”

BAGUIO CITY — The city government has warned Burnham Lake boat concessionaires to stop charging unauthorized rates, reminding them that the approved fee remains at ₱250 per 30 minutes or ₱500 per hour.

City Administrator Vittorio Jericho Cawis issued the warning during a September 2 meeting with the operators, a day after Burnham Lake reopened following its rehabilitation.

Cawis said concessionaires who continue to violate the approved rates, fail to upgrade their boats or do not issue official receipts could lose their concessions.

The warning came after reports surfaced that some operators were charging as much as ₱700 to ₱900 per hour, prompting disbelief and jokes from netizens. One commenter joked that the price could already get someone thinking about a trip to Palawan, while another sarcastically blamed rising fuel prices for the higher boating cost.

CEPMO chief Atty. Rhenan Diwas clarified that no fare increase has been approved by the City Council. He said proposed adjustments were discussed with operators but remained subject to council approval and the required boat upgrades.

Only two of nine concessionaires have so far complied with the upgrading requirement, according to Diwas.

The city also ordered the inspection of all boats and the removal of old or unsafe vessels before they are allowed back on the lake.

Mayor Benjamin Magalong has directed concerned offices to inspect the operators and enforce the approved rates, with violators facing possible notices of violation and other sanctions.

For now, city officials said the existing ₱250-per-30-minute rate remains in effect pending any approved change.