The Department of Transportation (DOTr) creates an office against unreasonable charges to be known as the Shippers’ Protection Office (SPO).

Under DOTr Department Order (DO) 2020-008, the established SPO will serve as a body that will protect and assist shippers, both international and domestic, against unreasonable fees and charges imposed by international and domestic shipping lines. This applies to all complaints and issues related to the rates, charges, practices and operations of international and domestic shipping lines in the country.

Moreover, this body will (a) assist the public with matters concerning the operations of, as well as the fees and charges collected by international and domestic shipping lines, and (b) require international and domestic shipping lines to submit comments or position on complaints/issues raised against them, and to appear before the SPO. It will consist of DOTr Maritime, DOTr Legal, Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Philippine Coastguard (PCG), and Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA).

It is notable that the problem on which agency to regulate the exorbitant rates being imposed by the shipping lines has been long-enduring. This new directive will expectedly contribute to the reduced international and domestic shipping cost that will benefit the importers, exporters, and most especially the consumers. –KJDA 

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) implements the Electronic Tracking of Containerized Cargo System (E-TRACC), a  real-time monitoring system of containerized cargoes using GPS-enabled electronic locks (e-lock), provided by Ascent Solutions Philippines, Inc. The said system is designed to ensure the safe transport of containerized cargoes onto its designated destination. For this, importers/exporters are mandated to pay for every container (thru online facilities) P500.00, within 10km. radius from port of discharge and P700.00 if beyond 10km. radius from the port.

BOC assured there will be no delays as they are ready with the manpower to put and remove the sealed e-lock 24/7 without any additional costs to the importers/exporters. Additionally, this new system will reduce the costs of doing business as Underguarding and Overtime for Customs personnel will be eliminated.

The E-TRACC will be rolled-out initially at the Manila International Container Port (MICP), Port of Manila (POM), and Port of Batangas (POB)  by middle of July this year.

BOC is said to coordinate with the agencies that have an overlapping system, i.e., the Philippine Economic Zone Authority’s (PEZA) seal, to formally release a guideline on what the importers/exporters will do and/or use to avoid redundant compliance of regulation/s.

For the guidance of the general public on this new system, The Bureau is requested to post Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) at their website www.customs.gov.ph and other official social media accounts any time soon.

The implementing rules and regulations (CAO 15-2019), of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act of 2016 is manifested under the guidelines stipulated under the CMO 04-2020 that implements the E-TRACC System. –MRJ