PPA says tracking system to comply with Arta rules

The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) on Friday said it hopes to settle the impact assessment requirements for its proposed container monitoring and tracking system with the Anti-Red Tape Authority (Arta) this month, hurdling regulation deemed crucial before the controversial project’s implementation.

PPA general manager Jay Santiago said they were already preparing their response and compliance to Arta’s comments on the preliminary impact statement concerning the Trusted Operator Program – Container Registry and Monitoring System (TOP-CRMS).

“We will be submitting it to Arta as soon as we complete the documentation,” Santiago said in a message sent to the Inquirer.

“We received Arta comments last Feb.2. Hopefully we can sort it out with Arta before the end of Feb.,” he added.

Almost a week ago, the port official said that they want to start implementing the TOP-CRMS, but that it has been deferred indefinitely by the majority of the PPA board and ongoing regulatory impact assessment by Arta.

Sought for comment, Arta secretary Ernesto Perez said that PPA’s submission will serve as a basis in their assessment whether they will recommend its implementation or otherwise.

“The regulatory impact assessment is a scientific toll which will ensure that this TOP-CRMS will be subject to proper consultations not only among government agencies but also the private sector holders so they are not affected,” Perez said during their forum in Quezon City.

The TOP-CRMS is opposed by at least 17 different trade and stakeholder groups, including the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, reasoning that it will entail additional costs for them. INQ