In a bid to ensure the steady flow of essential goods amid rising fuel prices, the government has slashed Roll-on/Roll-off (RORO) terminal fees to a flat P1.00 for vehicles transporting agricultural products.
The six-month “Piso Fee” was implemented through the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) following a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., aimed at mitigating the impact of soaring oil prices caused by the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. Standard fees previously ranged from P65 to P516, depending on the vehicle type.
This emergency rate applies specifically to:
- Type 3 vehicles (light delivery trucks, vans, and pick-ups)
- Type 4 vehicles (heavy delivery trucks)
Eligible cargo includes raw and unprocessed agricultural products, such as rice, corn, fruits, vegetables, fishery products, livestock, and poultry. Processed products are excluded.
Crucial Measure
Transportation Secretary Giovanni “Banoy” Lopez emphasized that the measure is crucial for food security and logistics efficiency.
“Kailangang makabiyahe ang mga produkto kahit mataas ang presyo ng krudo. Ginawa nating piso na lang ang RORO terminal fee para matuloy ang biyahe ng mga essential goods,” he said.
He added that the fee reduction would lower operating costs for transport operators and help maintain the uninterrupted flow of essential goods across the country.
Meanwhile, PPA General Manager Jay Santiago instructed port managers to ensure immediate and proper implementation across all government-run terminals. The policy will be reviewed after six (6) months and may be extended or adjusted based on fuel price trends and operational impact.
