The Export Development Council’s (EDC) Networking Committee on Transport and Logistics (NCTL) and the Supply Chain Management Association of the Philippines (SCMAP) recommended the postponement of the proposed rate increases of the Manila North Harbour Port, Inc. (MNHPI).

MNHPI presented their petition for a 15.33% upward adjustment in cargo handling tariff and passenger terminal fee at the North Port at a virtual public hearing dated 02 July 2021.

In response, a position paper was submitted to Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) and MNHPI, wherein NCTL and SCMAP expressed their support to MNHPI’s development programs and its intent to deliver quality services to the port users. However, they believe that appropriate timing and careful consideration must be observed before any increases in the port services charges are implemented.

Moreover, they said that the untimely proposal of tariff increase will be a huge additional burden to the still grappling MSMEs with the impacts the COVID-19 pandemic has had on their businesses.

These increased costs will ultimately be passed on to consumers, which will result in slower consumption, slower return of consumer confidence, and eventually, slower economic recovery.

They urged giving ample time for struggling businesses to recover from the pandemic-inflicted losses. KJDA