Sen. Marcos wants port congestion resolved amid COVID-19

Senator Imee R. Marcos is urging for a swift resolution to the ongoing dispute at the Port of Manila, warning that the congestion could jeopardize Metro Manila's health and food security amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

The dispute has led to over 800 refrigerated container vans carrying essential goods like medicine and food being stranded at the Manila International Container Terminal (MICT).

The MICT is nearing full capacity due to approximately 40,000 unreleased container vans, exacerbating tensions between government agencies, port operators, shipping lines, and importers.

Senator Marcos highlighted accusations that some importers are intentionally delaying the release of their goods to inflate prices, while brokers are incurring significant daily losses due to processing delays.

A computer system glitch at the Bureau of Customs (BOC) has further complicated the processing of import duties and taxes.

Marcos called on the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) to halt the issuance of a joint memorandum circular that would impose stricter storage rules and additional fines on delayed cargo.

She emphasized the need for community cooperation, stating that the public ultimately bears the brunt of such disputes.

The senator also proposed a temporary suspension of import-related fees during the lockdown to prevent price hikes on essential goods.

Waiving storage and demurrage fees could expedite the movement of cargo out of the MICT, easing the congestion.