PPA: Give container registry system a chance

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) yesterday asked the public to give the Trusted Operator Program – Container Registry and Monitoring System (TOP-CRMS) a chance amid backlash from business and other groups.

The TOP-CRMS, the PPA said, should be understood, since it will be a “big benefit… against the high and unregulated charges on logistics costs.”

This will cover the container deposit and the missing empty containers, PPA General Manager Jay Santiago said.

“For as long as somebody is complaining, the government has to come in and the government has to address the complaints. The government’s purpose is to make sure that everything is fair,” Santiago said.

“We try to make sure that the playing field is fair… That’s why we need to introduce regulations,” he added.

Under the TOP-CRMS, the PPA said only the container deposit insurance and monitoring fee worth P980 and P3,409 for the empty container handling service fee will be paid by importers.

Santiago said a two-way communication to explain the program to those opposing it will solve the problem.