Question & AnswerQ&A (PPA MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 15-99)
The authority for PPA Memorandum Circular No. 15-99 includes Section 28 of P.D. 857 (Revised Charter of PPA), Section 29 of PPA AO No. 13-77 (General Port Regulations), PPA Operations MO No. 01-99 (Improvement of Pasig River Operations), and PPA-PMO-S.H. M.C. No. 01-99 (Berthing of Watercrafts at Pasig River).
The primary objectives are to optimize the utilization of government berths at Pasig River for cargo handling, rationalize mooring/anchoring at the West Breakwater Barge Pool, synchronize entry of loaded barges with berth availability, prevent waterway constriction, and promote cooperation towards the Pasig River Rehabilitation Program.
Only single berthing of loaded barges/watercrafts parallel to the river bank is allowed at both government berths and private ports of Pasig River.
No. Idle or non-productive barges/watercrafts shall not stay along Pasig River but must transfer to the West Breakwater Barge Pool or other suitable areas outside Pasig River.
Operators must submit a Berthing Application (BA) at least 24 hours before expected entry to Pasig River to the Terminal Supervisor or Harbor Master, supported by an approved PPA Shipside Permit and a copy of the Inward Foreign Manifest.
Operators from outports must also file a BA at least 24 hours before expected entry, supported by the Coasting Manifest instead of Shipside Permit and IFM, and await approval based on berth availability.
The barges shall be required to anchor or moor at the Barge Pool at the West Breakwater of South Harbor, except tanker barges which shall moor outside the Breakwater.
Double-berthing is allowed only for safety reasons upon hoisting of Typhoon Signal No. 1 by PAG-ASA and with the agreement of the owners/operators. After the typhoon signal is lowered, vessels must immediately disengage and transfer.
Violators are subject to a port usage penalty of 500% per day, possible penalties under Section 43 of PD 857, suspension or cancellation of PTO or license, and other appropriate legal sanctions after due process.
They regulate entry, approve berthing applications based on berth availability, issue shifting orders, coordinate cargo handling productivity rates, monitor compliance, and ensure proper collection of port usage fees and wharfage.