The Confederation of Truckers Association of the Philippines (CTAP) lauded the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA)'s new permitting system, where a single document serves as Accreditation, Permit to Operate and vehicle pass in all PPA and private ports.

CTAP, considered as the biggest trucker’s group in the country, maintained the move is in accordance with the policy direction of the government particularly in the ease of doing business in the country.

“We would like to express our gratitude for the issuance of PPA Order No. 01-2022 that requires a single Transport Accreditation Permit and Pass for Ports (TAPP),” CTAP President Maria B. Zapata stated in a letter addressed to PPA General Manager Jay Santiago dated January 20, 2022.

“This promotes ease of doing business in the logistics sector by eliminating various permits, licenses and passing through stickers of truckers by economic zones, ports and local government units,” he added.

The new guidelines, which took effect on January 13, 2022, dubbed as Transportation Accreditation, Permits and Pass for Ports or TAPPP rationalizes the existing process in consideration of RA 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Gov't Service Delivery Act.

TAPPP is recognized in all ports nationwide. This is exclusive of the commercial and technical service arrangements of port service providers and terminal operators to facilitate and expedite transactions with port users.

For his part, Santiago said “This is a testament that PPA works for its stakeholders. We are committed to providing them the best service as possible in compliance with the policy direction of the Government.”

“With several months more before this government steps down from power, we will be implementing several measures more to guarantee swift and convenient transaction with the PPA,” the GM added.

The documentary requirements for the TAPPP include:

1. Duly-filled-out Application Form with Omnibus Statement

2. Articles of Incorporation/Partnership (For corporation/partnership)

Certificate of Registration (For sole proprietorship)

Certificate of Corporation (For cooperative)

3. Latest Income Tax Return for existing entities

4. Proof of Authorization

a. Secretary’s Certificate (For corporation/partnership/cooperative

b. Authorization Letter signed by the sole proprietor (For single proprietor)

5. List of Trucks together with their Official Receipt (OR) and Certificate of Registration (CR) with Deed of Sale/Assignment/Transfer, as possible.

The TAPPP is valid for a period of 3 years from date of issuance. An application for renewal shall be filed not later than 60 days before expiration of the TAPPP.

A TAPPP needs to be valid and in order as it authorizes the service provider to perform or provide services inside PPA ports including harbors, fairways and extensions to ensure that port service providers in ports under PPA’s jurisdiction comply with the health, safety, environmental and operational requirements of the port or ports where the services will be rendered.

This also enables the PPA to monitor, supervise and direct the activities of the port service providers while inside the port as well as maintain a pool of qualified service providers to ensure continuous provision of adequate, safe, and reliable port services to port users.