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The Inland Haulers and Truckers Association called anew for the cancellation or suspension of the Philippine Ports Authority’ mandatory tree planting requirement to secure a permit to operate
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The group said the policy is redundant and unnecessarily burdensome
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INHTA said truckers applying for franchise with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board are already required to plant trees
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It added that planting a minimum of 1,000 seedlings adds to truckers’ costs
The Inland Haulers and Truckers Association (INHTA) called anew for the cancellation or suspension of the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) mandatory tree planting requirement to secure a permit to operate (PTO), saying it is redundant and unnecessarily burdensome.
INHTA reiterated its stand in a position paper on PPA’s proposed port environment code, or Green Code. The Code covers establishment and implementation of mandatory tree and/or mangrove planting policy and programs by the port authority and port entities. To serve as PPA guide in achieving green and sustainable ports, the Code is targeted to be approved by the PPA Board in November.
INHTA said it commends the port authority’s move to create a framework for sustainable port operations but noted it had already made known its earlier comments on the provision on the mandatory tree planting.
Even without the Green Code, PPA has been requiring since 2021 planting of trees or mangroves under PPA Administrative Order (AO) 14-2020. The requirement covers all entities applying with PPA for the issuance of accreditation certificate, certificate of registration (COR), appointment, or authorization, including those awarded with contracts on the provision of services in PPA ports.
AO 14-2020 is in keeping with Executive Order No. 26 series of 2011 establishing a National Greening Program, and Republic Act No. 9729, or The Climate Change Act of 2009.
Non-compliance with AO 14-2020 is a ground for the cancellation or non-renewal of accreditation, PTO, COR, appointment, or contract.
Stakeholders earlier raised concerns on the difficulty of compliance, including finding an area to plant trees, among others. Truckers pointed out that other government agencies are now also requiring them to plant trees.
INHTA said truckers that have at least 10 units are required by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to plant one tree for every unit applied as a condition to the issuance of Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC).
“In this regard, truckers have already planted more than 10 trees prior their PPA Permit to Operate application. Requiring them to plant again would be redundant and unnecessarily burdensome, as they have already fulfilled the environmental obligation through the previous requirement,” INHTA explained, noting that LTFRB and PPA are both under the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
The group also said that in addition to fees truckers pay for securing a franchise with LTFRB, they have to pay for PPA’s processing fee and the cost of planting a minimum of 1,000 seedlings in compliance with AO 14-2020.
INHTA noted the tree planting requirement will “significantly affect” cost and operations, as expenses for buying and planting trees costs could average P488,000.
INHTA suggested the suspension or cancellation of the implementation of AO 14-2020 and for the DOTr and its attached agencies, LTFRB and Land Transportation Office, to sign a memorandum of agreement in relation to tree planting.
In addition, INHTA recommended coming up with further guidelines on the maintenance of planted trees, adding that without the plan to ensure the trees grow and thrive, “the effort [to plant trees] may not have the desired environmental impact needed to support a healthy and balanced ecosystem.”
“Tree planting loses its value if we do not guarantee the trees will survive and contribute positively to the environment,” INHTA said.
It added: “We believe that the PPA can help the trucking industry grow while also maintaining ecological balance. Instead of requiring tree planting for permits, we suggest that government agencies consider other initiatives that will promote ecological health and fight climate change but will not interfere with business operations or efficient, such as developing and implementing outreach programs that are cost- effective and will not impede business operations.”
PPA general manager Jay Daniel Santiago last year said accreditation or permit for its service providers will not be cancelled even if providers are unable to plant trees required by the agency until the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) produces tree planting implementing guidelines.
READ: No trees planted? No problem for now, PPA assures port service providers
In a message to PortCalls, PPA said it has submitted its proposed joint memorandum circular (JMC) between PPA and DENR to the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) “for review and no objection.”
It added: “We are currently awaiting ARTA’s action on the JMC, which has been thoroughly coordinated with DENR. Meanwhile, compliance with the tree planting requirement remains voluntary for port service providers.”
PPA said it also aims to harmonize its tree planting guidelines with other agencies to avoid redundancy.
“To align with this effort, trees already planted under LTFRB guidelines will be credited toward PPA’s requirement of 1,000 trees,” PPA said.
As of August 2024, PPA said more than 12 million trees and mangroves have already been planted. – Roumina Pablo
