- Philippine Ports Authority issued a memo detailing the rules on the implementation of the P1 roll-on, roll-off fee for trucks carrying agricultural goods
- Among the requirements are at least 80% of the vehicle’s load must be raw or unprocessed agricultural products
- Raw and unprocessed agricultural products in their natural state are eligible
- Not covered are processed or altered goods; cleaned, graded, packed, or commercially prepared products; and any product that has undergone post-harvest processing beyond basic handling
- The temporary discount is part of the government’s measures in response to the ongoing fuel crisis
At least 80% of a truck’s load must be raw or unprocessed agricultural products to qualify for the P1 roll-on/roll-off terminal fee (RRTF) at ports, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) clarified.
The memorandum, dated April 8 but digitally marked April 14, was issued in response to stakeholder queries on implementation, including the need for uniform interpretation, clear eligibility rules, and auditable procedures.
The 80% capacity requirement is in effect pending any issuance of specific thresholds, according to the memo that provides supplemental implementing guidelines to the temporary reduction of the RRTF that took effect April 10.
PPA through Administrative Order (AO) No. 003-2026 effective April 10 temporarily reduced the RRTF – ranging from P65 to P516 – to just P1 covering Type 3 (light delivery trucks, vans, and pick-up trucks) and Type 4 (heavy duty trucks).
The initiative is part of government measures to help industries mitigate the effects of rising fuel prices due to the Middle East conflict and “aims to keep the movement of farm goods fast and affordable across the country, while helping maintain a stable food supply.”
That earlier memorandum indicates that only vehicles transporting raw and unprocessed agricultural products in their natural state are eligible for the P1 RRTF.
These include freshly harvested crops (e.g., rice, corn, fruits, vegetables), fresh fishery products, and live animals and poultry.
Not covered are processed or altered goods (e.g., milled, canned, frozen as part of processing); cleaned, graded, packed, or commercially prepared products; and any product that has undergone post-harvest processing beyond basic handling.
PPA’s port management offices (PMOs) are directed to adopt strict interpretation and in case of doubt, the cargo will be deemed non-qualified.
To avail of the reduction, documentary requirements include the following:
- cargo declaration identifying the commodity
- bill of lading, waybill, or equivalent document
- delivery receipt or commercial invoice (if applicable)
- sworn declaration from shipper/cargo owner confirming the cargo is raw and unprocessed, and is exclusively qualifying
- applicable permits or clearances from relevant government agencies such as the Department of Agriculture and its attached agencies, where required
PPA earlier said the reduction of the RRTF is expected to translate into fuel savings for transport operators, with estimates showing that for every 100 liters of fuel, the lower RRTF effectively brings down fuel costs by around P5 per liter.
AO No. 003-2026 will be in effect for six months, and may be extended or adjusted depending on fuel prices and its impact on operations.
PPA PMOs, together with terminal and cargo handling operators, are tasked to ensure proper implementation. Cargo declarations and vehicle documents will be checked, and inspections may be conducted to confirm eligibility.
PPA warned that false declarations will be penalized with double the regular RRTF, along with possible administrative, civil, or criminal charges.
With fuel prices continuing to affect daily expenses, PPA said it will keep rolling out practical measures like this to help lower transport costs and support Filipino consumers.
PPA last year also reduced/waived its RRTF for all vehicles delivering rescue equipment and essential relief goods in support of government’s disaster relief and recovery operations following super typhoon Fung-wong (local name Uwan).— Roumina Pablo
