The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) officially clarified today that operations at Manila’s primary gateways remain normal and efficient, dismissing concerns regarding port congestion. Despite a recent uptick in yard utilization, the PPA confirms that cargo handling and vessel servicing at Manila South Harbor and the Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) continue without disruption.
Data as of 7:00 a.m. on February 16, 2026, shows that while utilization rates have edged past the traditional “optimum” level, the flow of goods remains steady.
| Port Terminal | Yard Utilization Rate | Status |
| Manila South Harbor | 75.30% | Normal Operations |
| Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) | 83.64% | Normal Operations |
PPA General Manager Jay Santiago emphasized that while these figures sit above the 70% optimum threshold, they are not an indicator of a bottleneck.
“High utilization does not automatically equate to congestion,” GM Santiago stated. “Our port systems are fully functional and efficient. Cargo processing is free-flowing, and there has been absolutely no impact on port charges or our ability to deliver timely service to our stakeholders.”
The PPA noted that recent concerns raised by some stakeholders regarding delays are specifically linked to the handling and return of empty containers.
The Authority clarified that the management of empty crates is a private commercial matter between shipping lines and their designated off-dock yards. These logistical hurdles are independent of the PPA’s terminal operations and do not stem from any lack of capacity within the Manila port system itself.
The PPA remains vigilant, conducting 24/7 monitoring of port conditions to ensure that the national supply chain remains robust. The Authority’s priority continues to be the facilitation of uninterrupted trade to support the Philippine economy.
