The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has deferred discussions on proposals for cargo-handling tariff increase at North Port in Manila North Harbor and Batangas Port pending further study, a development welcomed by industry associations.

In a letter dated October 22 addressed to Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez, PPA general manager Jay Daniel Santiago said the ports authority in an executive meeting last August issued a resolution deferring discussion on the application of port operators Manila North Harbour Port, Inc. (MNHPI) and Asian Terminals Inc.-Batangas (ATIB) for tariff adjustments.

Santiago said the proposals are under further study by the PPA committee.

The letter is in response to Lopez’s letter to Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade last September requesting for the postponement of all port rate increases to 2022 to help struggling businesses recover from pandemic losses.

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