Govt to impose up to 2,000% increase in fines on overstaying cargo

The government will impose new fines higher by as much as 1,977.70 percent against imported cargo overstaying in any of the container ports of Manila, Batangas and Subic, starting next month as part of measures to address port congestion.

 

The office of President Benigno Aquino III and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) board of directors have separately approved significant increases in fees for overstaying container vans with imported cargo.

 

Based on PPA Memorandum Circular No. 12-2014, the following fees will be charged starting on the 11th day against imported cargoes that have been cleared and issued gate passes by the Bureau of Customs:

 

At present, the PPA gives imported cargoes up to five days "free storage period."

 

These new fees are applicable to the Manila International Container Terminal, the South Harbor, the Batangas pier and the Subic Bay Freeport.

 

The government earlier undertook other measures to address the congestion in the Port of Manila, including the transfer of overstaying cargoes. 

 

 

Last week, Aquino signed an executive order declaring the Batangas and Subic ports as extensions of the Port of Manila to encourage the use of alternate piers in case of congestion. A Cabinet cluster also passed a resolution giving truckers all-day access to Manila ports. 

 

Up to P70 billion in economic losses has been incurred by the government due to the port congestion, according to National Economic and Development Authority. – Andreo Calonzo/VS, GMA News