Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said importers have agreed to pull out overstaying reefer containers at the Port of Manila as part of its decongestion program.

This was Bautista's response to the revelation made by Philippine Ports Authority general manager Jay Daniel Santiago in an interview with Daily Tribune's Straight Talk digital show.

"We immediately called them to ask if they can release these containers, and they obliged," Bautista said in an ambush interview on Wednesday.

Confirming Santiago's statement, Bautista said the reefer containers are believed to contain agricultural, livestock and poultry products, that cause an artificial shortage of commodities due to alleged hoarding.

Bautista said he doubts the observation that importers could be deliberately hoarding their products and only release them when the prices of commodities are high to reap more revenues.

"Maybe it's not true. The importer's reason is that there are not enough cold storage facilities which are why they are using the PoM which is way cheaper compared to other warehouses outside. We have also coordinated with the Bureau of Customs on this matter because sometimes, there are regulations by the BoC that hinders importers from releasing their products even if their taxes are already paid," he explained.

He added: "So, if taxes are already paid, then these containers should be allowed to be released."

Whole-of nation-approach
He said the issue of idle reefer containers piling at the PoM is not the burden of the DoTr alone, as these involve some government agencies including the Department of Finance and the Department of Trade and Industry.

"This is a whole-of-nation approach, and the private sector, for the part of importers. That's why we have already talked to them to resolve this matter. Sometimes, their reason to leave their products here is acceptable because there are not enough cold chain facilities," he said.

He added: "They will not allow their products to rot outside. But rest assured, we are working with them to avoid congestion in PPA-run ports."