Philippines: The Province of Zambales Impose Passage Fees on Ships *Update*

Update – 8 April 2016

North’s P&I correspondents in the Philippines, Del Rosario PandiPhil Inc, has advised that the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) has issued letters that casts further doubts on the legality of the Province of Zambales imposing passage fees.

MARINA stated that the practice was in direct violation of UNCLOS and stated a strong objection to its implementation, whereas the DOJ also considered the imposition of such charges violates the freedom of navigation provided under the UNCLOS.

The letter from the Department of Justice can be read by clicking here.

23 October 2015

North has learned from our P&I correspondents (Del Rosario & Del Rosario) that the collection of Coastwatch Environmental Monitoring System user fees by the province of Zambales has been considered by the Congress of the Philippines, who concluded that such acts by the province of Zambales had no legal basis.

A report has been issued by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) stating that the actions of the Zambales authorities contravenes UNCLOS and recommends immediate cessation of issuing such invoices.

It is presently unclear as to how invoices issued prior to the decision of DILG will be dealt with.  However, the Club’s correspondents have recommended that owners who have received such invoices should not make payment pending further developments.

We will alert Members as soon as we find out how previously issued invoices will be dealt with.