PH and China pact on Authorized Economic Operator Program

The Philippines and China pact on Authorized Economic Program (AEO) that offers incentives to traders who collaborate with customs administrations to improve supply chain security. The Agreement will allow both countries to have faster cargo clearance. The Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) for the said partnership was signed during President Marcos’ state visit to China last January 3-5, 2023. 

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PPA separates its regulatory and operational functions through Port Terminal Management Regulatory Framework

Through the Port Terminal Management Regulatory Framework (PTMRF), the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) implemented the separation of its regulatory and operational functions by privatizing port operations.

PPA has so far privatized 19 ports that are major gateways and is in the process of privatizing more ports.

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PPA suspends port rate hikes and bidding

In compliance with the directive of President Bongbong Marcos to reduce transportation costs, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) announced the suspension of port rate hikes and bidding under its Port Terminal Management Regulatory Framework (PTMRF) to give way to its pending review.

In a PortCalls release, it was reported that Department of Transportation Undersecretary Elmer Sarmiento during the 2022 National Maritime Week Celebration also disclosed that PPA is reviewing the possibility to reduce its existing rates.

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Bills creating the transportation safety board gets a veto from PBBM

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. (PBBM) vetoed bills institutionalizing the Philippine Transportation Safety Board (PTSB).

The President dismissed the House Bill No. 9030 and Senate Bill No. 1077 – the  bills creating PTSB – as it was deemed to duplicate the functions of the  Department of Transportation (DOTr) as well as the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). 

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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:

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