PPA bans foreign cargo at Manila North Harbor

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has directed its port management office in Manila North Harbor to disallow Manila North Harbor Port Inc. (MNHPI) to operate as an international port operator, citing MNHPI’s exclusive domestic port contract with the PPA. 

In an order issued by PPA officer-in-charge and assistant general manager for operations Raul Santos, the PPA stressed the restrictions on the handling of foreign vessels and cargoes by MNHPI at the Manila North Harbor terminal.

 The June 21 order was issued to the Manila North Harbor port manager, harbor pilots, and all shipping lines and shipping agents.

 The PPA issued the memo in response to a June 2 memorandum order by the Bureau of Customs (BoC) enjoining the PPA, among others, to allow foreign vessels to dock at the Manila North Harbor.

In an earlier communication with Customs Commissioner Alberto Lina, Santos reiterated that Manila North Harbor has always been known and was treated as a domestic port as mandated by Presidential Decree 857 or the Revised PPA Charter.