Lack of port capacity causing cargo delay

MANILA – Shipment capacity of Asian Terminals Inc. (ATI), and International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) are among the major causes of delays in the transaction of cargoes in Manila ports.

Customs Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon explained the actual capacity of ATI's container ports are only one shipment per day, while ICTSI can only cover a maximum of six shipments in a day.

Faeldon explained that this and other factors arising from other entities contribute to transaction delays that deprive importers and the BOC of more revenue.

Aside from ATI and ICTSI, the other offices include the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA). These three are in-charge of port

operation, cargo handling and tracking, and port development.

"Only 6 percent of the importation process is under the control of Customs, and the rest are controlled by other regulatory offices. Customs is only responsible with the assessment and collection of revenue, cargo inspection and clearance, and border protection," he said.

He added that the public needs to know that the BOC does not have the authority to regulate goods that enter the port. If the required documents and permits are submitted, he said, BOC is obliged to release shipments.

Faeldon vowed to discuss the issue with the concerned agencies.

He added that he also wants demurrage to be removed.

But he explained that the Customs has no power and control over PPA, and that demurrage and other penalties due to delay in loading or unloading of shipments may only be removed through an Executive Order.

Faeldon said he also wants to pursue a National Single Window (NSW) system wherein the 54 regulatory offices that facilitate trade will work into one window system. But there is no law that requires these offices to participate in the proposed system.

"How can I force them to participate now if there is no law that requires them to?" he explained.

He likewise encouraged stakeholders to help convince the 54 regulatory offices to adhere and cooperate in this proposed system. Sunnex