Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual has expressed support to an executive order suspending the collection by local government units of pass-through fees on cargo movers.

"The Department (of Trade and Industry) is supportive of the implementation of Executive Order 41 which prohibits the collection of pass-through fees as these fees are often passed on to consumers," Pascual said in a press conference on Wednesday at the Board of Investments office in Makati City.

"This is also aligned with the DTI's aim of facilitating a sound trade environment for businesses while protecting consumers' interests," he said.

"President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed Executive Order No. 41 to reduce food logistics costs that will ensure the welfare of the Filipino people by easing the burden of the rising prices of goods and commodities in the country. This EO is also another step forward in realizing one of the pillars of Marcos Jr.'s 8-point socio-economic agenda of reducing transport and logistics costs," Pascual added.

The DTI chief said EO 41 is fully supported by external stakeholders, particularly manufacturers, transport agencies and consumers as it is aimed at lowering the inflation rate in the country.

Moreover, he said the EO also ensures the efficient movement of goods across regions as laid out under the Philippine Development Plan 2023 to 2028.

"We recognize the challenges faced by the private sectors, particularly in the transportation and logistics sector. This EO should help alleviate truckers and manufacturers from the high cost of logistics. We commit to further reduce such costs in order to make prices more affordable for Filipino consumers," Pascual said.

Aligned with the Three-Year Food Logistics Action Agenda presented by the DTI, Secretary Pascual said that EO 41 aims to address a long-standing problem raised by the private sector.

The EO emphasized that building a robust and collaborative partnership between the national government and LGUs is essential in effectively addressing the impacts of inflation and promoting economic prosperity across all regions.

To ensure the effective implementation of EO 41 across all parts of the country, the DTI together with the Departments of Interior and Local Government, Transportation, Public Works and Highways, Finance, and the Anti-Red Tape Authority are currently formulating the implementing rules and regulations of the order. The IRR will be issued within 30 days from the EO's effectivity.