MANILA -- The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is looking to complete the Electronic Ticketing Management System (EMTS) project before the year ends, according to PPA Spokesperson Eunice Samonte.

Samonte, who was present at the Kapihan Sa Manila Bay on Wednesday, said the agency hopes to utilize this in the next peak season. The PPA foresees over 1.7 million passengers for April 12 to 20 due to Holy Week.

"Balak po itong matapos bago magtapos ang taon-- hopefully para magamit na sa mga next peak season natin," Samonte said.

Samonte added, the system went through pilot testing during the COVID-19 pandemic, but it has yet to be officially launched.

The PPA spokesperson also believes the ETMS will solve the problem of scammers selling fake tickets.  Scammers often message people on Viber to sell tickets using the PPA logo, according to Samonte.

Shipping lines currently use different websites for tickets. But the ETMS, averting any possible confusion, will provide a central website for all PPA customers.

"Lahat ng online ticketing ng mga shipping line, doon na po makikita," Samonte said.

She also advises the public to be cautious in purchasing from fixers.

"'Yung sa mga fixer na nabanggit ko kanina, mag-aalok sila ng tripleng presyo ng ticket. Kapalit po nito, hindi na pipila sa pantalan. But then again, ito po ay hindi affiliated with PPA or sa shipping line, at maaaring bentahan pa sila ng mas mahal dahil bukod sa ticket, nagbebenta rin sila ng insurance. Alalahanin po natin na wala po tayong dapat bayaran na insurance sa atin pong mga barko. Ito po'y kasama na sa bibilhin na ticket ng mga pasahero," Samonte said.