There will be no increase in cargo handling rates and passenger terminal fees for the time being after the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) deferred the discussions on the upward adjustment proposals of Manila Port Harbor, Inc. (MNHPI) and Asian Terminals, Inc. – Batangas (ATIBI). This is to give way to further study to be conducted by PPA’s Committee. In a letter dated October 22, 2021, transmitted to Export Development Council (EDC) Chairman Ramon Lopez, PPA informed that the postponement of the above-mentioned discussions have been decided on at their Executive Committee meeting held on August 17, 2021.
It has been reported early this year that MNHPI has a pending application of a 15.33% upward cargo handling tariff and passenger fee.
In line with the pending application, the Export Development Council (EDC) requested the PPA Board to postpone port rate increases to 2022, as a government relief effort to allow struggling businesses to recover from losses and other adverse economic effects of the pandemic.
PPA did not mention until when the postponement of the discussions will be, however, they assured they are one with the government in its relief efforts during this COVID-19 pandemic. KJDA