Revilla calls for lifting of shipping fees for emergency relief goods

By JOHN CARLO M. CAHINHINAN

Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. has proposed the lifting of shipping fees of transport service providers engaged in relief operation to ensure adequate and immediate delivery of relief goods to calamity-stricken areas.

Revilla recently filed Senate Bill No. 1560, or the proposed Relief Goods Free Transportation Act which seeks to provide free freight services of relief goods to areas declared in a state of calamity by the President or the local government unit (LGU) concerned.

“The transport of these goods, despite humanitarian reasons, entail a huge cost,” Revilla’s explanatory note read, adding that the archipelagic nature of the country contributes to the difficulty in transporting relief goods.

In providing relief assistance to communities heavily affected by disaster, Revilla stressed the role played by private individuals and companies and non-government organizations.

Revilla explained that it is only “imperative to ensure that adequate relief assistance is given to individuals and communities heavily affected by the disaster.”

“Often, the State is not alone in this endeavor.”

Under SB 1560, the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD), in coordination with the Philippine Postal Corporation (PPC) and all freight companies, common carriers, private carriers, freight forwarders and other companies providing logistic services are mandated to transport relief goods and donated articles free of charge.

Common carriers, freight forwarders and other similar entities under Revilla’s proposal are also mandated to deliver goods and services for free in areas where they operate.

Revilla explained that if the area is inaccessible, the relief goods shall be sent or delivered to the nearest LGU and consigned to the concerned local chief executive.

Certain shipping auxiliary costs, such as those for arrastre services, pilotage, and other port charges that are routinely passed on to customers, shall be borne by the concerned arrastre, pilotage, and port authorities.

Provided, however, that container van costs, turnaround time and volume of cargo entitled to the free freight charges shall be considered in order to minimize the loss of profits of the private sector.

Source: Latest Politics News Today (Politics.com.ph)