The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) have announced a temporary reduction of the RORO Terminal Fee (RRTF) to just Php1 for vehicles transporting agricultural products. This significant move comes in direct response to a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of soaring oil prices driven by the ongoing Middle East crisis on the transport sector.
Scope and Implementation of the Fee Reduction
The reduced fee applies specifically to Type 3 vehicles, such as Light Delivery Trucks, Vans, and Pick-Up Trucks, as well as Type 4 vehicles, including Heavy Delivery Trucks, provided they are carrying raw or unprocessed agricultural goods. Currently, terminal fees range from Php65 to Php516, depending on the vehicle type, but under this new policy, they will be set at a flat rate of Php1 for a duration of six months.
Government Alignment with Broader Policies
Transportation Secretary Banoy Lopez emphasized that this initiative aligns closely with the government's overarching policies on food security, price stabilization, and logistics efficiency. By lowering operating costs for vehicle owners and drivers involved in agricultural transport, the measure seeks to ensure the uninterrupted flow of essential goods despite the high crude oil prices.
Secretary Lopez further highlighted the critical need to maintain the movement of vital commodities, underscoring the role of this fee reduction in supporting the agricultural sector during these challenging economic times. This temporary adjustment is part of a broader strategy to enhance supply chain resilience and protect consumers from potential price hikes.
