THE Philippine Interisland Shipping Association (PISA) and Philippine Liner Shipping Association (PLSA) have asked for a review and amendments of maritime policies, reports the Manila Times.
PISA and PLSA identified laws and policies, submitting their issues to the Department of Transportation maritime sector.
Republic Act No 11659, or "An act amending Commonwealth Act No 146 otherwise known as the Public Service Act (PSA), as amended," is waiting for implementing rules and regulations (IRR).
This law was signed by former President Duterte, allowing up to 100 per cent foreign ownership of public services in the country.
However, PISA and PLSA wanted the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) to fast-track the re-inclusion of domestic shipping in the definition of the public utility to restore the 60 per cent Filipino ownership requirement under the Constitution.
Meanwhile, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Low Sulphur Implementation is for implementation by January 1, 2025.
The Philippines, a member of the IMO Council under Category C for Biennium 2022 to 2023, has complied with IMO regulations.
"Can Marina prescribe an alternative policy for domestic ships? It is recommended to include this policy for further review and evaluation with emphasis on the provision of government incentives under the strategic investment priority plan (SIPP) of the Board of Investment (BOI) under the CREATE law, and financial support to aid shipping companies in their compliance," said the group.
On the compulsory pilotage on all public and private ports under Executive Order No 1080, they requested Marina to accredit ship masters of domestic ships as pilots under certain conditions.
Said Archipelago Philippine Ferries Corporation president Christopher Pastrana: "The government will address the issues accordingly, and the group received positive support from both agencies and DOTr undersecretary for the Maritime Sector Elmer Francisco Sarmiento."
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