The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) are collaborating to address port congestion and road traffic along national thoroughfares through digital-based platforms.

In a statement, ARTA Secretary Ernesto Perez said these platforms include ARTA proposed transportation-related initiatives, in particular the Unified Logistics Pass (ULP) and the Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) on the Matnog Port Decongestion.

Perez and Transport Secretary Vince Dizon met on April 8 and agreed to work toward streamlining and digitalizing the transport and logistics sector for a more efficient logistics service delivery, according to ARTA.

The ULP is a single pass in the form of a quick response (QR) code that will be issued to cargo trucks to ensure the unhampered flow of goods. It is intended to eliminate various permits, licenses, and pass-through stickers being required by economic zones, ports, and local government units (LGU) in order to facilitate movement and ease of port entry of cargo trucks.

The ULP, which was initiated by ARTA during the pandemic, was formally turned over to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) in 2022 as owner and lead implementer of the ULP system It was pilot tested in three areas, Cavite Export Processing Zone, Clark Freeport Zone, and Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

The ULP is currently not being used but LTFRB last year said it intends to release an upgraded version of the system.

Despite potential challenges such as connectivity for drivers, the devices to be utilized for the system’s integration, and the large quantity of target users, ARTA said they, together with DOTr and PPA, “have unanimously agreed on the system’s implementation.”

It added that PPA general manager Jay Daniel Santiago and DOTr maritime assistant secretary Villamor Ventura Plan recommended PPA to lead the implementation of the ULP, which will then be integrated into the Philippine Ports Authority’s (PPA) existing system in coordination with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board. ARTA and the PPA identified focal persons to integrate the systems.

The JMC, meanwhile, aims to reduce congestion, particularly in queuing, marshalling, loading, and embarkation of passengers and rolling cargoes at Matnog Port. Signed in November 2022, it also seeks to ensure efficient delivery of government services and address rampant fixing in the immediate vicinity of the port.

READ: ARTA implements circular addressing Matnog Port congestion

Signatories include ARTA, DOTr, PPA, Philippine Coast Guard, Maritime Industry Authority, Philippine National Police, Land Transportation Office, Office of Civil Defense, provincial government of Sorsogon, and municipal government of Matnog.

Private partners include the University of the Philippines Public Administration Research and Extension Services Foundation, Inc., Regulatory Reform Support Program for National Development, World Bank, Climate and Sustainability Risk Advisory Association of RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) Operators, and FastCat.

Matnog port, a jump-off port from Luzon to the Visayas and Mindanao that handles RoRo vessels and services passengers, has been known to suffer perennial congestion and truck queuing, especially during the holidays when passengers travelling home flock the terminal. There are also allegations of extortion activities at the gateway, such as fixers reportedly asking passengers for money and truckers being asked for payment so they can onboard vessels quickly.

“In pursuit of providing efficient services to improve the logistics sector in the country, ARTA, DOTr, and the Philippine Ports Authority exchanged recommendations that will effectively benefit the transport and the shipping industry,” ARTA said.