QuestionsQuestions (Republic Act No. 11380)
The main objective is to rationalize porterage rates, systems, and operational procedures in Philippine ports to ensure information dissemination and compliance by all concerned.
The regulation applies to all porterage operations in all ports in the Philippines.
Porterage Service refers to the carriage by manual handling and/or with the use of wheeled equipment like pushcarts of passengers' cargoes, pieces of baggage, luggage, and personal belongings to/from the passengers' point of embarkation/disembarkation to/from the entrance/exit gates of the port premises.
Porterage Fee is the payment for the services rendered by a porter covering the carriage of personal baggage, with or without pushcarts, between the passengers' point of embarkation/disembarkation and the port premises' entrance/exit gate.
The weight of the baggage and the distance covered by the porter in traveling between the passenger's embarkation/disembarkation point and the entrance/exit gates of the port premises.
The Port Manager recommends the porterage rates for the ports or terminals under his jurisdiction subject to review and approval by the Head Office.
There are three weight categories: Small (up to 10 kgs), Medium (up to 25 kgs), and Large (up to 50 kgs). Rates vary according to distance covered within each category.
Permits are issued for not exceeding one (1) year. One-year renewals require clearance from the Port District Manager, and permits extending beyond one year require approval from the AGM for Operations.
A regulatory fee of One Thousand Pesos (P1,000.00) per annum is charged to porterage service operators.
Applicants must have administrative capability; be a duly recognized organization/association/cooperative; be registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Bureau of Domestic Trade, and Social Security System; and have applicable city/municipal and other relevant government agency licenses/permits.
No, porterage service shall be voluntary, and passengers must not be forced to have their baggage serviced by porters without permission.
Operators must issue pre-numbered tickets indicating the business name, amount, and porter’s man-number, divided into three portions for the passenger, porter, and collection booth, serving as receipt for payment and liability identification.
Porterage operators are liable for indemnity of losses/damages due to negligence or imprudence of porters, with compensation not exceeding the value of the baggage. In case of disputes, the Philippine Ports Authority mediates and decides the amount payable.
No, baggage serviced by porters is exempt from arrastre, stevedoring, or wharfage charges.
The Philippine Ports Authority reserves the right to cancel or terminate any porterage service permit/contract in case of violations or if public interest demands it.