Lawmaker Bernadette Herrera-Dy wants Marina to take over PPA's regulatory function

Lawmaker wants Marina to take over PPA's regulatory function
Genivi Verdejo August 10, 2022 https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/08/10/business/maritime/lawmaker-wants-...

A BILL seeking the transfer of the Philippine Ports Authority's (PPA) regulatory function to the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) was filed in Congress

Rep. Bernadette Herrera-Dy authored House Bill 1400 or an "Act separating the regulatory and commercial functions of the PPA by converting it into Philippine Ports Corp. (Philports) for development, management and operation of public ports within its system and transferring the regulatory functions to the Marina."

Philports will become a public enterprise and not a primary revenue-generating entity but a service provider. It will give utmost priority and importance to public service delivery and promotion of public interest over commercial and financial profit.
poster

"There is an urgent need to reform the country's ports administration by separating the regulatory and development functions of the PPA by converting it into Philports and transferring its regulatory function to the Marina," Herrera-Dy said.

PPA and Marina are attached agencies of the Department of Transportation. Marina as the single maritime administration has inclusive control over maritime.

A waterfront source said taking over the regulatory function of PPA will be difficult for Marina, having too many on its plates.

"Marina is busy with safety in navigation, following the International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations, as well as regulating training institutions, and their hats are full," the source said, adding that PPA needs to focus on policymaking and regulatory functions. PPA has already been privatizing the ports.

Looking at the Singapore model, the Port of Singapore Authority (PSA) is the central agency responsible for managing and developing the port of Singapore. Having only one port and no other shipping area is good. In countries like the Philippines with so many islands and ship owners scattered, the good model is Malaysia's setup.

In the Malaysian concept, the regulatory body created a port corporation, and all the ports are under the port authority.

"PPA can privatize its operations and retain the regulatory function. Marina has so many responsibilities and it can focus on the development of the shipping industry creating a positive effect on the economy. Develop an industry that will serve the Philippines and other countries," the source added.