PPA bans collection of additional port fees

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has prohibited the collection of unauthorized additional port fees during the implementation of the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon.

PPA general manager Jay Santiago on Wednesday issued a memorandum preventing the imposition or collection of additional port charges and fees, including hazard fee, in the delivery of port services.

PPA advised all port stakeholders it has not granted any increase and additional port fees, cargo handling, pilotage, terminal and miscellaneous charges, including hazard fee, in its official port tariff following the enforcement of the enhanced community quarantine.

“Neither has PPA and its board granted such authority to impose additional charge or fee to any terminal operator, cargo handling operator, pilots and pilotage associations, private port operators, and other port service providers,” it said.

All port managers are directed to monitor the strict compliance of the issued notice and immediately stop the collection of unauthorized additional fees.

They are also instructed to report any violation of the order.

PPA said the memorandum was issued in response to a letter released by Lucena-based Quezon Harbor Pilots Association Inc. stating that it will be collecting P60,000 as additional pilots’ health hazard fee for every vessel they will be assisting in Quezon ports.

In its letter dated March 23, the pilots’ association in its letter dated March 23 said that pilots are exposed to the threat of COVID-19 and are considered as “front liners” in the port’s operation.

The group claimed that their collection of the additional pilots’ health hazard fee follows the recent announcement of President Duterte that all frontline personnel are entitled to receive hazard pay amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Santiago said the PPA values the service given by workers at the country’s various ports amid the threat of the deadly coronavirus.

However, he said the hazard pay of pilots should not be shouldered by those who are also being affected by the virus and by the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine.

“We understand that lives are at stake when we continue to carry out our duties during these tough times,” Santiago said.

“But they should remember that those from whom they are asking a hefty fee are also victims of this global crisis. I urge all our stakeholders to unite and continue serving our country, even on the frontline. Our sacrifices are what our countrymen need now more than ever,” he said.

Santiago said PPA Lucena has already warned Quezon Harbor Pilots Association not to proceed with their planned charging of health hazard fee.

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade lauded the PPA’s move and expressed his dismay over some people who take advantage of the COVID-19 situation to earn more, at the expense of others.

“I fully support this prudent move undertaken by PPA. We are all affected here. Now is not the time to take advantage of people and organizations in need,” Tugade said.