Free freight services for relief goods pushed

Freight and forwarding companies, common and private carriers and other logistics companies will be mandated to transport/deliver for free relief goods and donated articles to calamity-stricken areas under a proposed bill that was recently filed at the House of Representatives.

San Jose Del Monte City Rep. Florida Robes cited the need for the government to strengthen existing mechanism on providing quick response to the demands and needs of the people during disasters and emergencies.

“As humans can only last a few days without food and water, relief operations are important. In this case, response mechanisms and guidelines must be geared towards saving lives in the immediate aftermath of any disaster. Proper management of relief, particularly collecting and sending of goods must be in place,” Robes said.

Robes filed House Bill 6335 mandating the Philippine Postal Corporation (PPC), and all freight companies, common and private carriers, freight forwarders and other companies providing logistics services in the country to grant free freight services to any individual or relief organizations and charities in the transportation of emergency relief goods and donated articles to areas declared to be in a state of calamity by the President, or local government units.

Under the bill, the firms are bound to observe extraordinary diligence and vigilance in the transportation of relief goods as expressed in the Civil Code of the Philippines.

HB 6335 provides that prior to the release of foreign relief goods and donated articles, the donor and donee shall comply with the rules and regulations imposed by the Bureau of Customs in accordance with pertinent laws and issuances.

The measure tasks the Department of Transportation, through the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB), Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), and the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to implement the provisions the proposed Act.