Port fees in Manila, Dumaguete hiked

MANILA, Philippines — Importers, traders, and truckers will pay extra fees for cargo handling services starting Aug. 17 with the approval of rate hikes in at least three ports in Manila and Dumaguete.

In a series of memorandum circulars (MC), the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) authorized the Manila North Harbor and the Port of Dumaguete to increase their respective shipping charges.

Under MC 004-2023, the PPA raised the cranage rates at the Manila North Harbor by 10 percent to P1,558.5 for a loaded 20-footer and below; P1,310.5 for an empty 20-footer and below; P2,180 for a loaded above 20-footer; and P1,689 for an empty above 20-footer.

MC 005-2023 imposes cargo handling tariffs for foreign non-containerized shipments arriving at the Port of Dumaguete. It sets the arrastre fee per revenue ton at P108.45 for non-palletized and P84.5 for palletized. Also, the MC fixes the stevedoring charges per revenue ton at P27 for nonpalletized and P19.1 for palletized. The PPA also signed MC 006-2023, allowing the Port of Dumaguete to hike cargo handling rates for domestic containers by 10 percent.

Meanwhile, MC 007-2023 slaps a penalty of P5,000 for trucks entering the Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) without valid transactions. The International Container Terminal Services Inc., operator of MICT, is tasked to recommend a list of locations where warning signs of one-way traffic and no parking will be installed. Further, the MC approved the renaming of the access road at MICT subject for implementation.

On the other hand, MC 008-2023 raises by nine percent the rate for 13 other services provided at the Manila North Harbor. These services include, among others, the hustling of containers, lift on and lift off, administrative fees for shutout and revoyage, non-standard lifts and crane standby.

Further, the MC increases the price of labor services for several jobs at the Manila North Harbor. The order also pushes up the rates for the rent of equipment, such as forklift and payloaders.

All price changes will take effect on Aug. 17, except for MC 008-2023 dated for Aug. 18.

President Marcos has instructed the PPA to bring down logistics costs to stimulate trade and travel activities and boost the economy in the pandemic aftermath.