QUEZON City, Philippines – Starting next month or July 2017, cargoes entering the Manila North Harbor will have to pay an additional 24% cargo-holding tariff.
The increase was approved by the Philippine Ports Authority in order to cover what is said were higher operations costs.
The increase will be implemented gradually in a three-year period, with 8% being added each year.
But consumer and business groups protest the additional tax, arguing that consumers will bear the brunt of the additional taxes as reflected in the higher prices of goods.