Frequently Asked Questions

These are common questions and answers inquired by port users, students, and some few researchers. From time to time, this will be updated according to port developments and additional frequent FAQ's. In case of inquiries not included in the listings, please email to info@cpa.gov.ph.

1. What is CPA?
2. What are the purposes and objectives of CPA under its charter?
3. What is the difference between CPA and PPA (Philippine Ports Authority)?
4. What is the Governing Body of the CPA?
5. Who directs and controls the day-to-day business and operations of the CPA?
6. What is the CPA Port System?
7. What are the Ports under the CPA Port System?
8. What is meant by baseport, subports and outports?
9. What is a National Port? A Municipal Port? A Private Port?
10. What are the classifications of private ports?
11. What is Port Operations?
12. Is port operations limited to regular office hours only?
13. What are port charges?
14. What are the different port charges?
15. What is a “Free Storage Period”?
16. What is the free storage period for foreign cargoes?
17. What is the free storage period for domestic cargoes?
18. Are there instances where the free storage period is extended?
19. What are the steps in the payment of port charges?
20. What cargoes are exempted from the payment of wharfage?
21. When are empty containers subject to wharfage?
22. What are arrastre and stevedoring services?
23. What are the steps in the payment of cargo handling fees for foreign cargoes (export and import)?
24. What are the steps in the payment of cargo handling fees for domestic cargoes (entry and withdrawal)?
25. May a local government unit (LGU) collect port charges on the use of a government port or private port located within its territory?
26. What is “Berth” and “Berthing”?
27. How are berths allocated?
28. What are the prohibitions in berthing?
29. Is there a need for vessels intending to call at a private port to apply for a berthing permit from the CPA?
30. What is a berthing clearance?
31. What is pilotage?
32. Is pilotage compulsory?
33. When is pilotage not compulsory?
34. How are cargo handling permits at a government ports granted?
35. Is there a need for a cargo handling service provider operating in a private port to secure a cargo handling accreditation from the CPA?
36. Who has the choice of CHSP in a Government Port?
37. What are the obligations of a CHSP to the CPA for domestic cargo handling?
38. Is there a prescribed tariff for cargo handling services?
39. What is heavy lift cargo?
40. What is a foreign transit cargo?
41. What is a domestic transit cargo?
42. Are all these types of cargoes subject to payments of any port charges?
43. Does CPA have the power to lease out port properties?
44. What are the port properties being leased by CPA?
45. How do leases work in CPA?
46. What is the effectivity of the Certificate of Registration / Permit to Operate a Private Port that CPA may grant?
47. What are the permits to be applied and how do ports apply for permit with CPA?
48. How are vessels levied in a private port?
49. What are ancillary services?
50. What are the steps and documentations in applying for an ancillary service permit?
51. What is porterage?
52. Is there a prescribed porterage rate approved by CPA?
53. Who are allowed entry into the port premises?
54. What is the CPA Pass Control System?
55. What are the different types of Annual Vehicle passes at the Baseport?
56. Who are qualified for a pass?
57. What are the limitations in the use of a pass?
58. Who are exempted from these passes?
59. Are there sanctions against violators of the provisions of the CPA General Port Rules and Regulations or rules and regulations of the CPA?
60. What is Ro-Ro?

WHO WE ARE

1. What is CPA?

The CPA is a public-benefit owned and controlled corporation. It is attached to the Department of Transportation and Communications for purposes of policy coordination. CPA was created by virtue of Republic Act No. 7621 signed by then President Corazon C. Aquino on 26 June 1992 but which operationalized only on 01 January 1996. (Section 3, RA 7621).

2. What are the purposes and objectives of CPA under its charter?

The CPA has the following purposes and objectives:

To integrate and coordinate the planning, development, construction and operations of seaports and seaport facilities within its territorial jurisdiction.

To enhance the flow of international and domestic commerce passing through these seaports.

To provide support services to sustain the growth of export and other priority industries. (Section 5, RA 7621).

3. What is the difference between CPA and PPA (Philippine Ports Authority)?

The CPA is separate and distinct from the PPA. Though formerly a component of the PPA until the mid 1990's, PPA-PMO Cebu and all ports within the Cebu province were turned over to the CPA by virtue of Republic Act 7621.

Under its charter, the CPA shall administer all facilities including wharves, piers, slips, docks, bulkheads, cargo terminals, warehouses, cold storage, loading and unloading equipment, and passenger terminals and accessories, within the province and cities of Cebu; other lands, buildings and other properties, movable or immovable, belonging to or then administered by PPA as well as all assets, powers, rights, interests and privileges relating to port works or operations, including all equipment .

4. What is the Governing Body of the CPA?

The governing body of the CPA is the Cebu Port Commission (CPC). It is composed of a Chairman, a Vice-Chairman and five (5) other Commissioners. The Chairman is the Secretary of the Department of Transportation and Communications or his duly designated Undersecretary. The Vice-Chairman, who is designated as the CPA General Manager, is elected by the Commissioners from among themselves.

The Commissioners, who are appointed by the President of the Philippines, represent the following sectors:

Ship-owners and shipping operators;

Cargo-handling labor sector; and

Business sector

5. Who directs and controls the day-to-day business and operations of the CPA?

The General Manager directs and controls the management of the day-to-day business and operations of the CPA (Section 12, RA 7621). He is assisted by the Deputy General Manager and the different department managers for Port Management, Finance and Administration, Port Safety, Security & Environment, Engineering Services, Legal Affairs, and Business Marketing and Development.

6. What is the CPA Port System?

The CPA Port System is a network of ports in the province of Cebu and its component islands . The CPA Port System is composed of a Baseport (Main Hub), five (5) Subports and thirteen (13) Outports strategically located in the Cebu Province mainland and component islands.

These ports are given priority in terms of development or improvement based on certain criteria, such as:

a) importance and significance of the port to the service that the Authority is providing;

b) the income that the port generates;

c) the linkages that the port provide to the other ports within the CPA territorial jurisdiction and to those outside thereof;

7. What are the Ports under the CPA Port System?

The ports under the CPA Port System are as follows:

• The Baseport (Pier 1, Pier 2, Pier 3, 5 th Street and CIP)
• Management Office of Mandaue
• Management Office of Danao
• Danao San Francisco, Camotes
• Poro Tudela, Camotes
• Carmen
• Management Office of Sta. Fe
• Hagnaya Bantayan
• Sta. Fe Bogo (Pulang Bato)
• Baigad
• Management Office of Toledo
• Toledo Tuburan
• Tabuelan Tangil, Dumanjug
• Management Office of Argao
• Bulasa Taloot
• Bato, Samboan

8. What is meant by baseport, subports and outports?

“Baseport” means the main hub or port facilities located in Cebu City, which is comprised of five (5) Management Offices (MO's.

“Subports” refers to the secondary hubs or the other management offices strategically located within the province of Cebu.

“Outports” means the “spoke” ports facilities under the port system of a subport.

9. What is a National Port? A Municipal Port? A Private Port?

A National Port is one that is constructed and maintained by the national government. These are the ports constructed by the PPA or by the CPA including those constructed by the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC).

A Municipal Port is one that is constructed and maintained by a local government unit out of its own funds.

A Private port is one that is constructed, maintained, and operated by private persons or entities.

10. What are the classifications of private ports?

Private ports are classified as:

10.1. Non-Commercial ports – company owned port facility used exclusively for its own cargoes.

10.2.. Commercial ports – company owned port facility servicing third party cargoes.

10.3. Marina – wharves specifically catering to yachts and other type of pleasure crafts.

10.4. Shipyard – port facility where sea vessels are built and/or repaired.

WHAT PORT OPERATIONS WE DO

11. What is Port Operations?

Port operations is the collective activity done within the port area in relation to the handling of cargoes to and from the vessels including the movement of cargoes within the port and the withdrawal/entry of such cargoes to/from the port.

12. Is port operations limited to regular office hours only?

No. In the Baseport, Management Offices 1 (CIP), 2 (5 th St.), 3 (Pier 3) and 4 (Pier 1) are open 24 hours. Management Office 5 (Mandaue) is open from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm.

13. What are port charges?

These are fees assessed against vessels and cargoes for the use of any port facility (which include wharves, piers, slips, docks, bulkheads, basins, warehouses, cold storage, loading and unloading equipment, and passenger, and passenger terminals and accessories) or for any port service rendered.

14. What are the different port charges?

Harbor Fees/Port Dues It is a charge against vessels engaged in foreign trade, including those engaged in barter trade, that enter any port, whether private or government, on each call based on its Gross Revenue Tonnage (GRT) at 0.081 x dollar rate x no. of days

Usage Fees It is a charge on vessels engaged in domestic trade that berth or drop anchor at any government port in accordance with their GRT. However, the vessels engaged in domestic trade that call at an officially registered private port whether operated exclusively or commercially are charged at one-half (1/2) of the usage fee at a government port.

Berthing/Dockage Fees It is a charge against vessels engaged in foreign trade, including those engaged in barter trade, that berth at any port of call based on GRT per calendar day or fraction thereof, however, for purposes of computation, a maximum of 50,000 GRT shall be used.

Anchorage Fees It is a charge against vessels engaged in foreign trade that do not berth but drop anchor at either a government or privately-owned port, whether operated exclusively or commercially at the rate of one-half (1/2) of the corresponding dockage at berth at a government port, subject to the same maximum 50,000 at US$ 0.020 / GRT.

Wharfage Fee It is the amount assessed against cargoes for the use of the sea, wharves/piers or any other port facility and is paid by the shipper or consignee, as the case may be. If the cargo is loaded/unloaded at a registered private port or at anchorage, only 50% of the wharfage charge is imposed. If the private port is unregistered, the wharfage is assessed at 100%.

Storage Charges It is a charge against cargoes that remain in any government-owned port beyond the “free storage period”. This is being imposed to ensure continuous flow of cargo, to avoid congestion in the port premises, and to optimize use thereof.

15. What is a “Free Storage Period”?

A Free Storage Period is a period of time (in calendar days) whereby a cargo is allowed to stay in the port without levy or charge for its dwell time.

16. What is the free storage period for foreign cargoes?

For foreign import cargoes, the free storage period for full containers is 6 calendar days and 3 calendar days for empty containers from receipt of cargo by the Cargo Handling Service Provider (CHSP).

Empty containers bound for foreign destinations are given a free storage period of 3 calendar days.

For foreign transshipment cargoes, free storage period is 15 days from the date of arrival of the foreign vessel in the Port to the date of departure therefrom.

17. What is the free storage period for domestic cargoes?

1. Breakbulk / Bulk Cargoes

• Incoming – one (1) calendar day after the day the cargo is discharges from the carrying vessel.
• Outgoing – two (2) calendar days prior to the day that the carrying vessel is scheduled to arrive.
• Shut-out – two (2) calendar days after the vessel's departure.

2. Containerized

• In-Loaded – one (1) calendar day after the day the container is discharged.
• In-Empty – one (1) calendar day prior to the day of discharge.
• Out-Loaded – two (2) calendar days prior to the day that the carrying vessel is scheduled to arrive.
• Out-Empty – two (2) calendar days prior to the day that the carrying vessel is scheduled to arrive.
• Stripped Containers – one (1) calendar day after stripping.
• Shut-out – two (2) calendar days after vessel's departure.

Loaded Containers Coming from Outside the Port Area – two (2) calendar days prior to the day that the carrying vessel is scheduled to arrive.

18. Are there instances where the free storage period is extended?

Yes. Under CPA Administrative Order 04-98, the following are the grounds for extension of free storage period:

•  In cases where the cargoes cannot be removed from the port premises by the owner/importer/exporter/shipper/consignee thereof due to force majeure; provided that extension of the free storage period (EFSP) shall be limited only for the duration of the force majeure following the expiration of the free storage period;

•  In cases where the cargoes are subject of seizure and/or detention proceedings by the Bureau of Customs and such seizure or detention is later lifted or declared to be improper by the competent authority, the extension of the free storage period (EFSP) shall be reckoned from the day that the cargoes were seized or detained. Cargoes over which a penalty or fine is imposed by the Bureau of Customs shall not be entitled to EFSP;

•  In cases where the cargoes are, by law, exempt from payment of Customs duties or fees (but not from storage) and the reason for the extension is for causes which are not attributable to or beyond the control of the owner/exporter/importer/shipper/consignee of the cargoes as determined by the Authority;

•  In cases of cargoes intended for charitable and similar purposes as certified by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Health, or other government agency or instrumentality, to tax exempt entities or individuals,where the cause of the delay is not attributable to or beyond the control of the owner of the cargoes as determined by the Authority; and

•  In cases of cargoes or medical equipment, supplies, relief goods and other similar items donated to the DSWD or to any government agency or instrumentality, where the delay for the removal of the cargoes is for causes not attributable to or beyond the control of the owner of the cargoes as determined by the Authority; Provided, that such cargoes are intended for charitable or public purposes and not for profit or business of the Donee.

19. What are the steps in the payment of port charges?

Steps in the payment of port charges against vessels are as follows:

a. Obtain a Port Charges Computation Sheet (PCCS) from the Management Office (MO) where the vessel is docked. Fill out the form with the information asked completely and accurately.

b. Submit the PCCS together with the Ship's Manifest to the designated Assessor of the management Office for computation of charges.

c. Pay the required charges to the cashier at the same MO.

20. What cargoes are exempted from the payment of wharfage?

The following cargoes are exempted from wharfage:

a. Main products of any BOI-registered company

b. Companies located within the Mactan Export Processing Zones

c. Scraps resulting from shipbreaking of vessels

d. Donations from International or Local organizations duly authorized by or registered with the DSWD or the Office of the President

e. Cargoes covered by Diplomatic Notes 1071 and 3001

f. Empty containers owned by the carrying vessel

21. When are empty containers subject to wharfage?

When empty containers that are not owned by the carrying vessel, meaning not part of the ship's gear, but by a third party and are manifested as commercial cargoes, are subject to the charge of 20% of the applicable wharfage.

22. What are arrastre and stevedoring services?

What is Arrastre? – Quayside handling operations.

What is Stevedoring? – In/on ship handling operations.

Arrastre and stevedoring services are cargo handling services rendered by a duly licensed cargo handling service providers (CHSPs), either by way of management contract or permit, by the CPA.

Arrastre services include the following:

• unloading and loading of cargoes from and to ship's hull/deck.
• checking cargoes by marks and quantity; acknowledging and signing tally sheets;
• sorting and piling cargoes in sheds/open storage, if not taken direct to truck;
• delivering/transferring cargo to an receiving from tail-end of consignee's transportation or ship's tackle;
• securing cargo from pilferage or losses while under its custody;
• providing mechanical equipment for receiving, storing, delivery, transfer and shifting of cargo;
• providing checking services only when cargo is unloaded or loaded to and from shipside, or to and from barges alongside vessels.

On the other hand, stevedoring services refer to all work performed on board vessels, i.e. the process or act of loading and unloading cargo, storing inside hatches, compartments and on deck or open cargo spaces on board vessels. Related stevedoring activities are rigging ship's gear, opening and closing of hatches and securing cargo stored on board by lashing, shoring and trimming. These activities are undertaken by stevedore gangs which are headed by gang bosses and composed of winchmen, signalmen and as any number of stevedores as may be pre-determined by the kinds of cargo to be handled and, in some cases, are assisted by ship's crew members.

23. What are the steps in the payment of cargo handling fees for foreign cargoes (export and import)?

Steps in payment of cargo-handling fees for foreign cargoes (export & import):

1. Obtain a Permit to Deliver for imported cargoes.

2. Pay the arrastre charges at the Oriental Port and Allied Services Corporation (OPASCOR) Office.

3. For imported cargoes, obtain and fill out a Foreign Cargo Withrawal Permit (FCWP) form at the designated MO. For exported cargoes, Obtain and fill out a Cargo Export Permit (CEP) at the designated MO.

4. Submit the forms, FCWP or CEP, together with a copy of the arrastre payment receipt to the Assessor at the MO for computation of charges

5. Pay the computed amount at the cashier.

6. Give a copy of Official Receipt (OR) to the guard on duty upon discharge of the cargoes from

the port premises.

24. What are the steps in the payment of cargo handling fees for domestic cargoes (entry and withdrawal)?

Steps in payment of cargo handling fees for domestic cargoes (entry and withdrawal):

1. Obtain a Delivery Receipt from the designated Cargo Handling Operator.

2. Submit the Delivery receipt with the arrastre receipt to the assessor for computation of port cargo handling charges.

3. Pay the computed amount at the cashier

4. Give a copy of OR to the guard on duty upon discharge of the cargoes from the port premises.

25. May a local government unit (LGU) collect port charges on the use of a government port or private port located within its territory?

An LGU cannot collect port charges on the use of government or private ports located within its territory. This is so because it exercises only delegated taxing powers which do not extend, among others, to customs duties, registration fees of vessels, and wharfage on wharves, tonnage dues, and all other kinds of customs fees and charges, taxes, fees, and charges and other impositions upon goods carried into or out of LGUs in the guise of charges for wharfage, tolls for bridges or otherwise, or other fees or charges in any form whatsoever upon such goods or merchandise.

However, an LGU may impose wharfage on wharves constructed and maintained by it. (Section 133, Local Government Code of 1991)

26. What is “Berth” and “Berthing”?

“Berth” means the part of the pier/wharf that is occupied by a vessel, or place where a vessel may tie up.

“Berthing” means the maneuvering of a vessel from anchorage or pilot station to a berth,

including the action to make fast the vessel alongside.

27. How are berths allocated?

The allocation of the berths, belonging to and operated, by the Authority is at its sole discretion. The general rule in determining berthing priorities of vessels is “first come, first serve” basis, subject to certain exceptions.

28. What are the prohibitions in berthing?

The following are violations in berthing:

a) Double-bunking of vessels;

b) Undertaking of repair works;

c) Movement/shifting of vessels at berth without prior CPA permit;

d) Leaving vessels at berth or anchorage without a marine officer and the necessary manpower

complement to move the vessel when so ordered by CPA;

e) Idle vessels or those without activity or operation remaining at berth;

f) Maneuvering for berth or anchor without the necessary Harbor Pilot, for vessel covered by

compulsory pilotage;

g) Vessels berthing or mooring in places and/or time not specified or authorized or shift from its authorized berth without permission from CPA;

h) Vessel spulling alongside another vessel without permission from CPA;

i) Vessel dumping solid and/or liquid garbage or slops over the side while at berth. (Section 3, Article IV, GPRR)

29. Is there a need for vessels intending to call at a private port to apply for a berthing permit from the CPA?

Yes. The owner or agent of a vessel intending to call at a port, whether private or public, which is within the jurisdiction of the Authority shall, within the time specified in Section 1, Article IV (Berthing Regulations) of the General Port Rules and Regulations, prior to the Estimated Time of Arrival give notice in writing to the CPA of its arrival, and make application for berth if it intended to berth at the wharf, pier, or anchorage within the port or harbor limits. In addition, the master of the vessel shall contact CPA by radio or other means sufficient to convey the message.

30. What is a berthing clearance?

A berthing clearance is an authorization issued by the CPA, through the Harbor Master for a vessel to enter the port or depart therefrom after submission of required documents and payment of port dues.

31. What is pilotage?

Pilotage is a service provided by the Cebu Port Authority through the harbor pilots to guide the departing and arriving vessels at the port area. It usually starts within a two-mile area offshore to an assigned berthing area and vice versa.

32. Is pilotage compulsory?

Yes. It is compulsory for vessels calling the Baseport of Cebu or passing through navigable rivers, straits or channels within a pilotage district, as well as shifting, docking and undocking, every vessel with 500 GRT and above, engaged in coastwise or foreign trade. However, ship captains or masters of domestic vessels that regularly call at a government port may be allowed to pilot their own vessels, provided they are duly permitted by the CPA.

33. When is pilotage not compulsory?

Pilotage is not compulsory in the following cases:

a) Government vessels not engaged in commercial trade

b) Vessels of foreign government(s) entitled to courtesy;

c) Vessels calling at private ports not located within a designated channel and whose owners/ operators have waived the requirements of compulsory pilotage.

CARGO HANDLING OPERATIONS AND ACCREDITATION

34. How are cargo handling permits at a government ports granted?

Permits or management contracts for cargo handling services at government ports are generally granted by public bidding. However, for ports with low cargo volume, i.e. the total cargo throughput does not exceed 5,000 metric tons or where cargo handling operation is primarily manual, the General Manager may grant cargo handling permits with a term not to exceed one (1) year. (Sections 1&2, Article XI, GPRR)

35. Is there a need for a cargo handling service provider operating in a private port to secure a cargo handling accreditation from the CPA?

Yes. Even in private ports one cannot engage in cargo handling operations unless he/she has a CPA accreditation.

36. Who has the choice of CHSP in a Government Port?

A municipality or city that owns its pier or wharf may operate the same directly or award the operations and administration to a private contractor who shall secure the CPA's accreditation to provide cargo handling services at such municipality or city.

37. What are the obligations of a CHSP to the CPA for domestic cargo handling?

A CHSP operating in a government port shall remit to CPA a Privilege Fee in consideration of the right and privileges granted by CPA.

This Privilege Fee is usually 10% of the gross income derived by the CHSP for services rendered.

However, any CPA-accredited CHSP operating in a private port shall also remit to CPA a Supervision Fee equivalent to three percent (3%) of its total gross receipts.

38. Is there a prescribed tariff for cargo handling services?

Yes, one for foreign and another for domestic cargoes in all government ports. The prescribed tariffs are covered by separate issuances of CPA.

39. What is heavy lift cargo?

Heavy lift cargo refers to a very large and heavy single unit cargo, usually large heavy equipment. The minimum weight of which is 5,000 kilograms (5 tons) and which is usually discharged or loaded by a heavy lifting derrick, crane, or boom. Examples of these are: locomotives, bulldozers, graders, payloaders, transit mixers, and the like.

40. What is a foreign transit cargo?

A foreign transit cargo is an article arriving at any port from another foreign port, noted in the carrier's manifest and destined for transshipment to another foreign port. This is sometimes called foreign transshipment cargo.

41. What is a domestic transit cargo?

A domestic transit cargo is an article arriving at a port from a domestic port noted in the carrier's manifest and destined for shipment to another local port.

42. Are all these types of cargoes subject to payments of any port charges?

Yes, all these types of cargoes are subject to payments of port charges, except when there are special laws, provisions exempting them from certain charges.

LEASE OF PORT PREMISES

43. Does CPA have the power to lease out port properties?

Yes, CPA has the power to lease out port property as provided for in paragraph (j) Section 7 of its charter (R.A. 7621) which states that CPA can “levy dues and impose rates and charges for the use of the premises, works, appliances, facilities or services provided by or belonging to the Authority, or any other organization concerned with port operations”.

44. What are the port properties being leased by CPA?

CPA leases some of its properties that can be used for port-related activities and is subject to all existing policies, laws and regulations on real estate, operations, safety and security of the CPA. Properties being leased are open spaces, enclosed/covered spaces, building and office spaces, ticket booths, stalls for concessionaires, and advertising spaces.

45. How do leases work in CPA?

Leases are to be applied with the Business Marketing and Development Department of the CPA. Applications for lease require documentary requirements such as letter of intent, SEC registration for corporations, DTI registrations for single proprietorship, BIR Registration, SSS Registration, and Financial Statements. Leases can be granted on a yearly basis or longer terms from 3-5 years.

PERMITS AND ACCREDITATIONS OF PRIVATE PORTS

46. What is the effectivity of the Certificate of Registration / Permit to Operate a Private Port that CPA may grant?

The Certificate of Registration / Permit to Operate a Private Port Facility shall be given a period not to exceed twenty-five (25) years but shall in no case exceed the term of its Foreshore Lease Agreement (FLA). This may be renewable for another 25 years but co-terminus with the renewed FLA.

47. What are the permits to be applied and how do ports apply for permit with CPA?

There are corresponding documentary requirements and procedures for permits on private ports to be applied with CPA. Permits issued are as follows:

a. Permit to Develop (for new or expansions or repairs)

b. Permit to Construct (for new or expansion or repairs)

c. Permit to Operate Newly Constructed Port

d. Permit to Operate Port with Temporary Permit with CPA

e. Permit to Operate Existing Port without any valid permit

f. Renewal of Permit to Operate

For ports interested to apply for any of the permits, they need to contact the Business Marketing and Development Department of CPA for a list of requirements and process flow of procedures.

48. How are vessels levied in a private port?

In a private port, vessels are charged fifty percent (50%) of the applicable port charge rate of government ports, provided however that such private port facility is duly registered with the Authority.

PORT SERVICES

49. What are ancillary services?

Ancillary services are auxiliary services that supplement activities related to port operations. These are provided for by persons or private entities allowed to operate inside the port area after getting permit from CPA. These services include water supply, chandling, bunkering, etc.

50. What are the steps and documentations in applying for an ancillary service permit?

To engage in ancillary services inside the port area, a person or business entity shall first apply for a Permit to Operate from CPA. The Business Marketing and Development Department handles the processing of this permit which requires various documents essential for operating the business such as BIR Clearance, SSS Certificate of Compliance, etc.

51. What is porterage?

Porterage is the handling service provided for by a group of people called porters in the loading and unloading of personal effects such as luggage, bags, and the like of passengers to and from vessels.

52. Is there a prescribed porterage rate approved by CPA?

Yes, there is a prescribed porterage service fee in the Baseport which is approved by CPA. The fees shall be based on the weight of the item, the actual distance traveled by porters and the type of vessel being serviced. The charging of personal baggage / cargo shall be on a per piece basis. For the convenience of port users, the corresponding rates are placed in designated areas in the vessels, passenger terminals, ticket booths of shipping lines, and in the port gates where passengers enter and/or exit.

53. Who are allowed entry into the port premises?

Only persons on legitimate purpose or business with a permit/pass issued by the Authority are allowed entry into the port premises.

54. What is the CPA Pass Control System?

This is a system that regulates the entry to, exit from and movement within the port of persons, vehicles and cargoes.

55. What are the different types of Annual Vehicle passes at the Baseport?

Blue Sticker— this shall be for the private delivery vehicles (privately-owned, but not for hire) that have their own regular cargo t be brought or picked-up at the port.

Red Sticker — this shall be for the franchised vehicles or trucks for hire.

Orange Sticker — this shall serve as supplementary for vehicles with either the blue or red

stickers, allowing them to access into the ISPS Zone, provided there is proper clearance from the Port Security, Safety, and Environment Department (PSSED).

Yellow Sticker — this shall be for vehicles of persons or companies who have a Permit to

Operate (apart from Trucking) inside the port regardless of the number of wheels of said vehicles, as long as these will be for private company use and not for hire or any other business purposes (delivery services)

Green Sticker — this shall be given out upon the discretion of the General Manager. However, restrictions are imposed upon the movement inside the port of any vehicle with said pass. They will not be granted access to areas beyond the Secondary Fence, and most especially the ISPS Zone.

56. Who are qualified for a pass?

Passes are issued only to individuals and/or registered owner/firm transacting business inside port premises.

57. What are the limitations in the use of a pass?

Passes are not honored in areas classified as restricted or if non-entry is determined as necessary for public interest and/or benefit.

58. Who are exempted from these passes?

Only passengers with tickets or passage accommodation for vessels departing during the date of entry are exempted from payment of single entry/control pass.

59. Are there sanctions against violators of the provisions of the CPA General Port Rules and Regulations or rules and regulations of the CPA?

Yes, there are sanctions to violators of the General Port Rules and Regulations (GPRR) and these sanctions are provided by Article XV, Section 3 of the said GPRR.

60. What is Ro-Ro?

Roro is the short term for Roll-On / Roll-Off which is the act of loading/unoading of cargoes such as containers, vehicles, goods, and passengers without the use of cargo handling equipment.