PPA-CRMS gets thumb up from ARTA

AFTER careful consideration and a series of reviews, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) Administrative Order (AO) No. 04-2021 or the “Policy on the Registration and Monitoring of Containers” and its Implementing Operating Guidelines have gotten the greenlight from the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA).

The agency submitted to ARTA the regulatory impact statement of the Trusted Operator Program- Container Registry and Monitoring System (TOP-CRMS) on February 2, 2023 and after one month, ARTA gave it a rating of 36- “Good Practice RIS”.

This means that ARTA recognizes that the PPA, through the TOP-CRMS, provides a solution to the long-standing problems of waterfront stakeholders, particularly, port users and haulers.

PPA’s TOP-CRMS also meets ARTA standards for cost saving mechanisms including container deposit fee and port access lanes.

PPA General Manager Jay Santiago was positive on ARTA’s rating despite the initial postponement of the program by the PPA Board.

“This is a welcome development, considering the concerns raised about the program, but the green light of ARTA means TOP-CRMS is the best option to solve the current problems.

“The PPA will continue to fine-tune the program,” said Santiago.

It has been projected that as of 2022, empty containers will account for more than 20 percent of yard usage at port terminals taking almost triple the allowed 72 hours of free stay at container yards.

Under Section 6 of Presidential Decree No. 857, the PPA has the duty to administer, control, regulate, construct, maintain, operate and provide facilities or services owned by the authority, so, in accordance with this mandate, TOP-CRMS will provide efficient port public service, Santiago stressed.

The official also noted that the TOP-CRMS has been economical compared to Electronic Tracking of Containerized Cargo (e-TRACC) System of the Bureau of Customs.