Law Summary
Opening of the Port of Aparri as a Principal Port of Entry
- The Port of Aparri is declared a principal port of entry and renamed District Port of Aparri.
- This upgrade aims to accelerate economic growth and development within the Cagayan Special Economic Zone.
- It enables the port to receive manpower and resources from national agencies such as the Bureau of Customs to improve infrastructure and systems.
Jurisdiction and Boundaries of the District Port of Aparri
- The Commissioner of Customs is authorized to redefine jurisdictional limits of the Port of San Fernando and delineate boundaries for the new District Port of Aparri, designated as Customs Collection District No. XV.
- District Port of Aparri has jurisdiction over the provinces of Cagayan, Isabela, Batanes, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, excluding areas covered by the Freeport under R.A. 7922.
- Subports under this district include the ports of Currimao, Tuguegarao Airport, and Laoag International Airport.
Relationship Between Cagayan Freeport Zone Authority and Bureau of Customs
- To ensure smooth operation of Port Irene as a subport of District Port of Aparri, both agencies must enter a Memorandum of Agreement within 30 days of the order's effectivity.
- The agreement will define working relationships and the treatment of cargo entering or leaving the freeport zone.
Designation and Administration of Port Officials
- The District Port of Aparri shall be headed by a Collector of Customs V.
- Deputy Collectors of Customs shall assist the Collector as determined by the Commissioner of Customs.
- Each subport will be headed by Port Collectors, assisted by Deputy Port Collectors as designated.
Personnel Management and Authority
- The Commissioner of Customs, subject to the Secretary of Finance's approval, will determine personnel requirements for the District Port of Aparri.
- Personnel transfers or movements within the Bureau may be effected adhering to applicable Civil Service laws and regulations.
Funding and Appropriations
- Initial operational funds for the District Port of Aparri will come from the Bureau of Customs' available funds.
- Subsequent funding will be included in the Bureau’s budget proposals, subject to standard budgeting and auditing procedures.
Effectivity of the Executive Order
- The order takes effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.
- Signed and adopted on February 18, 2008, by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Executive Secretary Eduardo R. Ermita.