As fuel prices continue to rise and affect the cost of goods, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is taking steps to help ease the burden on transport and food supply by setting the Ro-Ro Terminal Fee (RRTF) to one peso (P1.00) for vehicles carrying agricultural products.
The policy, issued under Administrative Order No. 003-2026, aims to keep the movement of farm goods fast and affordable across the country, while helping maintain a stable food supply.
The P1.00 fee applies only to Ro-Ro vehicles carrying raw and unprocessed agricultural products such as rice, corn, fruits, vegetables, fishery products, and live livestock or poultry. Processed goods are not included.
The following vehicle types are covered:
• Type 3 – light delivery trucks, vans, and pick-up trucks
• Type 4 – heavy delivery trucks
“The decreased Ro-Ro Terminal Fee will help in lowering the operating costs of owners or drivers of vehicles carrying agricultural products,” said Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez.
The reduction is also expected to translate into fuel savings for transport operators, with estimates showing that for every 100 liters of fuel, the lower RRTF effectively brings down fuel costs by around P5 per liter.
PPA continues to support farmers, traders, and transport operators while improving connections between islands through a more efficient port system.
“Kailangang makabiyahe ang mga produkto kahit mataas ang presyo ng krudo. Ginawa nating piso na lang ang RORO terminal fee para patuloy ang biyahe ng mga essential goods,” added Secretary Lopez.
The PISO RRTF will be in place for six (6) months. It may be extended or adjusted depending on fuel prices and its impact on operations.
PPA Port Management Offices (PMOs), together with terminal and cargo handling operators, are tasked to ensure proper implementation. Cargo declarations and vehicle documents will be checked, and inspections may be conducted to confirm eligibility.
PPA General Manager Jay Santiago said the move is meant to directly reduce transport costs for essential goods. “This reduced Ro-Ro Terminal Fee will help lower the cost of transporting agricultural products. Our goal is to make sure food can move quickly from farms to markets and remain affordable for Filipino consumers,” he emphasized.
The PPA warned that false declarations will be penalized with double the regular Ro-Ro Terminal Fee, along with possible administrative, civil, or criminal charges. With fuel prices continuing to affect daily expenses, the PPA said it will keep rolling out practical measures like this to help lower transport costs and support Filipino consumers.
