The SOS’ action came after cargo forwarders and brokers, who are members of the organization, brought to its attention a MIAA memorandum order stating the effective May 17, 2004 only accredited brokers or forwarders shall be allowed entry into all customs bonded warehouses and domestic cargo warehouses operating within the MIAA complex.
The MIAA said the new accreditations scheme would help secure the public and the airport complex from terrorist attacks.
"We support the cargo forwarders and brokers operating at the airport since they have valid reasons to oppose the accreditation plan," said Robert Lim Joseph, SOS president.
"We urge policymakers to review the concerns raised by these businessmen as they will have an effect on their business as well as that of their clients. In the meantime, we are asking the MIAA to suspend the implementation of Memorandum Circular 07 pending its review," he added.
In their petition submitted to MIAA general manager Edgardo Manda, a copy of which was furnished the SOS, the cargo/forwarders and brokers said they are already covered by the accreditation mechanism of the Bureau of Customs to prevent fly-by-night personnel from transacting business at the bureau.
"The Collector of Customs authorizes the issuance of accreditation and license and customs police access pass so entry to the airports premises is under the bureau’s supervision and control," they said.
Undergoing another accreditation with the MIAA, they pointed out, would only result in duplication of work. "The existence and proper identification of petitioners can very well be guaranteed by the Bureau of Customs as a safeguard to its facilities."
They also stressed that the plant to collect accreditation fee from cargo forwarders and brokers will only complicate matters between the concessionaires and customs brokers. They said the operator of the warehouse situated within the complex is already paying the MIAA a concessionaire fee.
They warned that the additional cost of doing business at the airport might eventually affect consumers, who will be made to shoulder the extra charges.
They said at present, they are forced to pay the fee to avoid delays in the release of their clients’ cargo as from the warehouses.
Among the organizations that signed the petition are the Professional Customs Brokers of the Philippines Air Cargo Forwarders of the Philippines and the Federation of Accredited Customs Brokers & Forwarders of the Philippines.