The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has started implementing on 1 November 2021, the “No Permit, No Service” Policy for all truckers in ports nationwide, while issuing a stern warning against colorum operators.

The “No Permit, No Service” Policy is in line with PPA Memorandum Circular (MC) 19-2021, stating that truckers need to obtain a Certificate of Accreditation (CA) and Permit to Operate (PTO), otherwise are not allowed to transact at port terminals. The PPA implements the policy as some truckers still refuse to secure the CA and PTO.

The agency stated that the need to get operating permits is not a new requirement, adding that truckers were long advised of the policy.

The agency has imposed the first deadline to secure CA and PTO on 15 October 2021, and it was extended on 31 October 2021, only requiring the truckers to merely file an accomplished application form and submit all pertinent documents by 31 December 2021. A trucker applying for a three (3)-year PTO will be given a 50% discount on the permit fees.

However, it was learned that several truckers still refuse to comply or get operating permits from PPA for still unknown reasons. The PPA said all other service providers in the ports are required to get permits. As of end of the October 31 deadline, 75% of truckers operating in the Port of Manila have already complied with the CA and PTO requirements.

The PPA has likewise issued a stern warning against colorum truckers who do not follow the schedules and rules at the terminals that they will be slapped with hefty fines and appropriate sanctions.

“We are warning colorum truck operators to comply with the need to have the PPA CA and PTO. Apart from being barred to transact at the port terminals, they will be meted with an appropriate sanction,” PPA General Manager Jay Santiago said.

Meanwhile, leading port operators Asian Terminals Incorporated (ATI) and International Container Terminals Services, Inc. (ICTSI) have started implementing the policy yesterday.

The said PPA MC regarding the requirement for service providers’ accreditation was referred to by ATI in its Marketing Circular No. 1021-038 dated 28 October 2021, where it reminded that service providers in ports under PPA jurisdiction are “required to secure Permit to Operate (PTO) before they are allowed to render any service.”

Effective November 1, 2021, all trucking/hauling service providers need to present their PTOs before entry at ATI South Harbor, the circular further said.

For its part, ICTSI said the policy takes effect immediately at the Manila International Container Terminal (MICT).

In the latest Advisory No. 2021-1637, ICTSI reminded truckers that the policy is now implemented. As such they will only allow truckers with CA and PTO or have a pending CA or PTO application to transact at MICT.

ICTSI added that truckers “arriving at the terminal without a PPA CA or PTO (issued or filed) will no longer be allowed to proceed with its transaction.”

To recall, in compliance with the instruction of the PPA, ICTSI, in its Advisory No. 2021-1472 dated 17 July 2021, stated that it “will be extending the deadline for securing PTO Certificate until 15 October 2021. This was to provide more time to complete the processing of all applications.”

The ICTSI advisory added “that all truck company and driver registrations that are unsupported by a PTO after the above date will no longer be accepted, adding that all registrations made before the above date shall only be valid until October 15, unless a PTO has been secured.” (Department of Transportation)