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
Category Archives: Transport and Logistics
PRRD ratifies Public Service Act amendment
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte ratified the Public Service Act (PSA) amendment during the ceremonial signing of the law in Malacañang on Monday, 21 March 2022.
This amendment will generate more jobs and lower business costs in the country. The definition of public utilities is limited to industries such as the distribution and transmission of electricity, petroleum and petroleum products, pipeline transmission systems, water pipeline distribution, wastewater pipeline systems, seaports, and public utility vehicles. The above mentioned are the only industries subjected to the 40-percent foreign ownership restriction on public utilities as mandated by the 1987 Constitution. Continue reading PRRD ratifies Public Service Act amendment
ARTA reiterates to LGUs the ban of imposition of illegal fees
The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) conducted an info-session to raise awareness for the existence of JMC 2021-01 or the “Omnibus Guidelines on the Suspension of LGU Imposition and Collection of Illegal Fees and Taxes Relative to the Transport of Goods and Products”. This was due to several reports that some LGUs are still collecting pass-through fees and taxes from vehicles transporting goods despite several directives for its ban. Continue reading ARTA reiterates to LGUs the ban of imposition of illegal fees
MV Iris Paoay’s second voyage to cross the Pacific in mid-December 2021
MV IRIS Paoay, the first PH flag ship to cross the Pacific in 30 years in September 2021, will once again sail to the US in December this year. Similar to its maiden voyage, it will also be a direct, non-stop service between the Philippines (MNL-CEB-DVO) and the US at Pier A, Long Beach Port (LGB) Port in Los Angeles. Continue reading MV Iris Paoay’s second voyage to cross the Pacific in mid-December 2021
PPA defers upward cargo and passenger tariff adjustment
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.
Continue reading PPA defers upward cargo and passenger tariff adjustment
EDC and Industry Leaders support full investment liberalization outside of the natural monopolies
The Export Development Council (EDC) manifests its support on the full investment liberalization outside of the natural monopolies through a joint statement of support with the Industry Leaders, namely the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT), Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), and Supply Chain Management Association of the Philippines (SCMAP).
With the group mentioned, EDC strongly opposes moves to return transportation, telecommunication, and power generation back to the definition of Public Utilities. Continue reading EDC and Industry Leaders support full investment liberalization outside of the natural monopolies
Mindanao-based Reefer Line offers US shipping services at lower cost
There is a silver lining on the issue of lack of vessel space and containers, as another Philippine shipping company based in Mindanao, the Reefer Express Line Filipinas, Inc. takes on long haul US route with its vessel MV Cool Spirit to help the exporters ship their goods amid the current global transport and logistics problem. The voyage started from General Santos City last 02 September 2021. Continue reading Mindanao-based Reefer Line offers US shipping services at lower cost
Royal Cargo commences maiden voyage to LA by mid-September
The Royal Cargo, Inc. (RCI) will commence its maiden voyage to Los Angeles by mid-September this year. Its launch will be made through one of the vessels of Iris Logistics Inc. (Iris Paoay), a Philippine shipping company 80% owned by RCI. Iris Paoay is a general container cargo vessel with 1100 TEUs capacity.
The maiden voyage will be a direct, non-stop service between the Philippines (MNL-CEB-DVO) and the US (LA). Continue reading Royal Cargo commences maiden voyage to LA by mid-September
EDC and SCMAP endorse the postponement of Manila North Harbor’s proposed rate increase
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. Continue reading EDC and SCMAP endorse the postponement of Manila North Harbor’s proposed rate increase
Shippers ordered to ascertain VGM of their containers
Shippers are now responsible for obtaining and documenting the Verified Gross Mass (VGM) of their containers, as ordered by the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) in AO No. 02-2021.
The Revised Guidelines on the Implementation of Mandatory Weighing of Export Containers (PPA AO No. 02-2021), in compliance with the SOLAS regulations, requires the shippers to verify the gross mass of the packed container by weighing using calibrated and certified equipment or calculating the sum of single masses. Continue reading Shippers ordered to ascertain VGM of their containers