SCMAP Perspective #228
December 10, 2009 by carlo
Published in Port Calls, November 9, 2009
MANDATORY WEIGHING
Fax 551-3207
Email lizaalmonte@yahoo.com.ph
By Ed Sanchez
SCMAP Executive Director
PPA MC 23 – 2009
PPA MC No. 23 – 2009 mandates the weighing of all outbound containers and RORO vehicles before loading onto a vessel.
SCMAP acknowledges that this MC is a good measure to “ensure safety not only in the handling of outbound containers, but also to mitigate risks to the port facilities, cargo handling equipment and the carrying vessels”. In addition, this can minimize damage to roads and bridges leading to the port of loading, and to roads and bridges leading out of the destination port, or ensure compliance to weight limits in destination countries.
The MC, published in the Manila Standard on October 22, 2009, and effective 15 days later, should have taken effect last November 6, 2009.
SCMAP basically shares the concerns expressed by the PLSA, in a letter from PLSA Executive Director Joy Maitim, to PPA GM Atty. Sevilla, with respect to the North Harbor.
PLSA asks – are the cargo handling operators ready to implement the weighing operation with a minimum risk of queuing?
On the absence of a set fee or guideline thereof, PLSA expects “bickering between cargo owners and service providers”, implying delays.
Guideline no. 6 of the MC says “Payment for the use of the weighbridge / truck scale shall be the rates as agreed upon by the service provider and the owner of the cargo / vehicle and as approved by PPA, until such time that the Authority shall have established a standard weighing rate nationwide”.
So, the PPA is deliberately not setting a rate at the start, or even a guideline for the rate. Under the above guideline no. 6, there are four parties at the start – the provider of the weighing service, the cargo owner, the vehicle owner, and the PPA. Not only is the rate not set. It is not clear who will pay for the weighing; the cargo owner or the vehicle owner.
It is like PPA saying let the market decide the weighing fee. Let the (three) parties negotiate. However, the PPA has stated that the rate must be approved by PPA?!!!
In addition, guideline no. 7 prescribes a share of the weighing fee for the PPA, and also of the permit fee required of the weighing service provider. Another source of income for the PPA!!! We wonder about the logic of this PPA share.
The third concern of PLSA is about a 30 day notice that the PPA must observe. We go along with this.
Since I am writing this on November 6, I have no feedback yet on what happened on day 1.
Election and Fellowship
SCMAP’s election of 2010 directors and officers will be held during its general membership meeting on November 19, 2009. To be elected are 10 directors and 9 committee chairpersons. The 10 directors will elect among themselves the 6 officers
Following that, the annual Christmas fellowship will be held on December 10, 2009. This year’s theme is “Let’s simply celebrate Christmas … again”.
Address inquiries and comments to Ed Sanchez at tel. 671-8670, fax 671-4793, cell 0918-914-1689, or email scmap.org@gmail.com. Those interested in SCMAP training and other activities are requested to send their e-mail addresses. Visit SCMAP’s website at:www.scmap.org
