Category Archives: Latest News

LTFRB calls for the cooperation of truckers and ports as the ULP kicks off

To help the economy recover, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) requests the cooperation of the truckers and ports as the Unified Logistics Pass (ULP) kicks off its implementation.

Following the recent launch of the ULP system on pilot ecozone ports, the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) officially turned over the system to the LTFRB on 28 June 2022. Continue reading LTFRB calls for the cooperation of truckers and ports as the ULP kicks off

BOC launches iDeclare to ease services at the airport

The Bureau of Customs launched iDeclare to add its newest addition to its modern systems and innovations for more convenient and faster customs services at the airport.

Effectively on April 29, 2022, Customs Administrative Order No. 01-2017 outlined the clearance procedures for air and sea travelers. Together with CMO No. 11-2022, it provided guidelines for the electronic implementation of the said CAO. Continue reading BOC launches iDeclare to ease services at the airport

Transport and logistics associations bare their goals at the 2022 Ports and Shipping Conference

The United Portusers Confederation, Inc. (UPC), a group of transport and logistics associations, bares its goals on day 2 of the 2022 Ports and Shipping Conference.

Mr. Nelson Mendoza, president of UPC, reported that its mission is to be the “go-to organization for port-related concerns of all port users and stakeholders nationwide.”, and relative to that announced the following as their current goals: Continue reading Transport and logistics associations bare their goals at the 2022 Ports and Shipping Conference

BSP allows person-to-merchant payments under QR Ph

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has expanded QR Ph, the country’s QR code standard, to enable person-to-merchant (P2M) payments to boost the digitalization of small businesses. The use of QR codes for payments has been gaining traction as an alternative to cash or traditional debit and credit card payments. In November 2019, the payment industry participants led by the Philippine Payments Management, Inc. (PPMI), under the guidance of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), launched the “QR Ph”, as the National QR Code standard.

QR Ph introduces a standard that would eliminate the need to display numerous QR codes in establishments and to purchase expensive electronic data capture systems. Because of the facility’s interoperability, consumers only need to have one QR code and businesses can use a single system to scan and process payments. The recently launched QR PH P2M payment facility allows buyers to pay even small value transactions such as jeepney or tricycle fares and payments of goods and services to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) at no cost to the buyer. On an exporter’s end, the said program is beneficial as it is both tailored for convenience and security in dealing with their regular transactions. Given the information on the recurring digital payment transactions of both their retail individual and business customers, exporters are now provided data that would help them build financial profiles of their target client base through which they can design customer-centric financial services that are tailored to their specific needs and circumstances.

For more information, please visit www.bworldonline.com.DAC

WTO continues its e-commerce customs tariff moratorium

Members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) agreed to abstain from imposing customs duties on electronic transmissions at the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference in Geneva, Switzerland, last 12-17 June 2022. The moratorium will expire until the next Ministerial Conference (MC13), which will be held on 31 December 2023, or until 31 March 2024 should MC13 be delayed. The said moratorium was adopted by WTO in 1998 and renewed at successive ministerial conferences.
Continue reading WTO continues its e-commerce customs tariff moratorium

EDC forges BOC and DTI-EMB Memorandum Agreement

The Export Development Council (EDC) forges the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Department of Trade and Industry-Export Marketing Bureau (DTI-EMB) to ink a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to strengthen the partnership in enhancing trade facilitation and further support the development of the export industry. DOF Secretary Sonny Domiguez and DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez are both optimistic on the agreement.

Continue reading EDC forges BOC and DTI-EMB Memorandum Agreement

Business groups petition: Revoke PPA’s container registry monitoring system

Business groups, including the PHILEXPORT, PCCI, and SCMAP, have signed a solidarity statement calling for the revocation of the Philippine Port Authority’s (PPA) Trusted Operator Program – Container Registry Monitoring System (TOP-CRMS) and Empty Container Storage Shared Service Facility (ECSSSF).

Continue reading Business groups petition: Revoke PPA’s container registry monitoring system

Unified Logistics Pass launched to boost the logistics sector

Truck operators can now register to get their Unified Logistics Pass (ULP) QR Code in the three participating pilot ecozone ports: Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Clark Freeport Zone, and Cavite Export Processing Zone. To register, truck operators may access this link: https://ulp.ltfrb.gov.ph/.

The ULP aims to mitigate truck congestion, streamline requirements, and eradicate pass-through fees to introduce a more business-friendly environment for the logistics sector.

Continue reading Unified Logistics Pass launched to boost the logistics sector

Philippine Transportation Safety Board, one step closer to its institutionalization

The bicameral conference committee report on the bill institutionalizing the Philippine Transportation Safety Board (PTSB) has been ratified by Congress.

According to a PNA article, the chamber approved the final version reconciling the disagreeing provisions of House Bill 9030 and Senate Bill 1077. The PTSB will be an independent and non-regulatory agency under the Office of the President that will ensure the maintenance of a safe, viable, efficient, and dependable transportation system in the country; improve transportation safety measures to prevent accidents, and ensure the implementation of transportation safety standards.

Continue reading Philippine Transportation Safety Board, one step closer to its institutionalization

DOF underscores the Duterte administration’s Game-Changing reforms 

Dept. of Finance (DOF) Sec. Sonny Dominguez underscored the Duterte Administration’s socio-economic reforms over the past six years, including the Ease of Doing Business Act which paved the way for efficient delivery of public services. The DTI was also commended for the efficient implementation of this law, which remarkably increased the competitiveness of the country’s business climate. Continue reading DOF underscores the Duterte administration’s Game-Changing reforms