Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 5095)
The main purpose is to reorganize the Philippine Ports Authority to make it more responsive to the requirements of optimum port utilization, development, and operation, supporting an integrated program for planning, development, financing, and operation of ports nationwide.
The PPA has police authority within the ports it administers to provide security, regulate entry and movement, maintain peace and order, supervise private security agencies, and enforce its regulations, coordinated as needed with the Bureau of Customs and other law enforcement bodies.
The Council is composed of the General Manager of the PPA as Chairman, and representatives from the Ministry of Labor, Bureau of Customs, chambers of commerce and industry, import/export associations, local and foreign shipping companies, arrastre and stevedoring companies, consumers group, shippers council, and other groups deemed expedient by the Authority.
The authorized capital of the Philippine Ports Authority was increased from three billion pesos to five billion pesos.
The Bureau of Public Works serves as the executing agency for detailed engineering, construction, expansion, dredging, reclamation, and supervision of projects in public ports, following plans and programs approved by the PPA and guidelines by the Minister of Public Works, Transportation and Communications.
The PPA took over all powers, duties, and jurisdiction regarding dues, fees, and rates collectible on vessels and cargoes under Title VII (excluding Part VII) of the Tariff and Customs Code, irrespective of port or place of call.
Fines include up to 10,000 pesos for maneuvering vessels without necessary pilots, up to 10,000 pesos for unauthorized berthing/loading/unloading, fines for departing without permission, unauthorized cargo handling, leaving vessels unmanned, improper cargo movement, environmental violations like dumping crude oil or garbage, and commercial vehicle regulation violations, ranging from 10 to 10,000 pesos depending on the offense.
They must be selected and appointed based on merit and fitness according to a comprehensive merit system consistent with Civil Service rules, with professional and technical posts considered policy determining, confidential, and highly technical.
The Harbor Master may regulate vessel mooring and determine loading/unloading sites within ports, coordinating with the Bureau of Customs in ports of entry, while the Bureau of Customs continues to designate ports of entry.
The EO took effect upon promulgation on November 16, 1978. If any section or provision is declared unconstitutional or invalid, the rest of the EO remains in full force and effect.