Unified logistics pass to launch this month

MANILA, Philippines — A unified logistics pass (ULP) for the unhampered movement of trucks that deliver basic goods across the country is set to be launched within the month, according to the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA).

In a statement, the ARTA said a memorandum of agreement (MOA) and joint memorandum circular would be signed for the rollout of the ULP this month.

“The ULP is poised to streamline requirements for a unified quick response (QR) code that will eliminate the varying and separate pass-through stickers being required by economic zones, ports and local government units, and will facilitate easier movement and ease of port-entry restrictions,” ARTA said.

The ULP was conceptualized following the government’s implementation of the rapid pass system during the lockdowns to speed up the inspection of vehicles and individuals at police checkpoints.

ARTA said its partner agencies such as the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, Land Transportation Office, Department of Trade and Industry, Philippine Economic Zone Authority, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Information and Communications Technology, Philippine Ports Authority, Department of Science and Technology, Clark Development Corp. and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority would sign the MOA.

Also set to sign the agreement are the Asian Terminals Inc., International Container Terminal Services Inc., Manila Harbor Center Port Services Inc., Manila North Harbor Port Inc., University of the Philippines Public Administration Research and Extension Services - Regulatory Reform Support Program for National Development, and DevConnect Philippines Inc.

ULP’s launch is in line with the ARTA’s National Effort for the Harmonization of Efficiency Measures of Interrelated Agencies (NEHEMIA) Program for streamlining processes.

Under the program, the aim is to reduce the time, costs, and requirements or procedures of government services in priority sectors by 52 percent in 52 weeks.

Logistics is among NEHEMIA’s five priority sectors. Other priority sectors are the telco, food and pharmaceuticals, housing, and energy.

ARTA oversees the implementation of Republic Act 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act, which aims to streamline procedures in government processes.