Gov’t moves to unclog Manila ports

IN ITS EFFORT to decongest the ports of Manila, the government has approved a 90%-discount incentive on docking fees for all vessels that will call on Batangas, and agreed with foreign shipping lines to make Subic Bay ports the temporary depots for containers.


The government, led by the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), the Bureau of Customs (BoC), the Department of Trade and Industry and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), said clearing and withdrawing cargoes on weekends will greatly reduce congestion and traffic at the three ports in Subic Bay, Manila City and Batangas. To attract operators to clear cargoes on weekends, the PPA is looking at ways to provide incentives to companies, and one of these perks is the 90% discount on docking fees for vessels in Batangas port.

“While there is a premium to be paid in clearing and withdrawing of cargoes on weekends, bigger savings will be recorded over time through faster delivery of goods and lower cost relative to storage fees,” PPA General Manager Juan C. Sta. Ana said during a press conference in Manila City yesterday.

“The 90% discount was approved by the government, we’re just waiting for the guidelines in order to implement it,” Mr. Sta. Ana said.

Read full article....