Aquino assigns Manila port extensions during emergency situations

Batangas Port, general cargo open area. PHOTO from www.ppa.com.ph

MANILA, Philippines— President Benigno Aquino III has signed an executive order declaring Subic and Batangas ports as extensions of the port of Manila “in case of port congestion and emergency situations.”

Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said Aquino signed on September 13 Executive Order no. 172.

“The executive order declares the Port of Batangas and Subic Bay Freeport as extensions of the Port of Manila during (incidences of) port congestion and other emergency cases,” Valte said.

According to her, section 3 of the EO stated that during emergency situations, the designated ports in Batangas and Subic Bay Freeport shall be deemed as extensions of the Port of Manila.

The EO added that foreign vessels with port of Manila as the port of destination or origin may be directed to berth either at the Port of Batangas or Subic Bay Freeport.

“All rules and regulations being enforced at the Port of Batangas or Subic Bay Freeport as promulgated by the PPA and SBMA, respectively, including berthing and other port fees, among others, shall apply to foreign vessels directed to berth thereat,” the EO stated.

Valte said port congestion is one of the major factors that hinder the free flow of goods and services passing through the ports.

She said the EO seeks to alleviate the port congestion.

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