The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is planning to increase storage fees for idle cargo containers at the Manila International Container Terminal (MICT).
A series of consultations with stakeholders is being arranged by the PPA to finalize the decision as soon as possible.
PPA General Manager Jay Santiago revealed that many business owners exploit the storage policy by leaving numerous containers at the port.
The fee increase aims to discourage this practice while boosting government revenue.
Santiago explained that importers prefer keeping their containers at MICT, where the daily fee is only ₱600, compared to warehouse storage fees ranging from ₱3,500 to ₱5,000.
Currently, over 700 containers, mostly declared as agricultural goods, are idling at the port, according to PPA.
Santiago suggested that some importers deliberately delay releasing goods, waiting for price surges before selling them in the market.
He called this practice a form of hoarding and emphasized the need for immediate action in coordination with other government agencies.