The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) have implemented a "Piso Fee" for Roll-on/Roll-off (RORO) vehicles transporting essential agricultural products.
Effective for six months, the RORO Terminal Fee (RRTF) is reduced to ₱1.00 to mitigate the impact of soaring fuel prices caused by the escalating Middle East crisis.
The directive, issued by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., addresses the logistics sector's vulnerability to global energy shocks. With international crude prices fluctuating near $90–$100 per barrel and the recent closure of the Strait of Hormuz straining global shipping routes, the administration is moving to prevent these costs from inflating domestic food prices.
The ₱1.00 flat rate applies to Type 3 vehicles (light delivery trucks, vans, and pick-ups) and Type 4 vehicles (heavy delivery trucks and 10-wheelers). Eligible cargo is strictly limited to raw and unprocessed agricultural goods, including grains (rice and corn), fruits, vegetables, fishery products, and livestock. This replaces standard terminal fees that previously ranged from ₱65.00 to ₱516.00.
Transportation Secretary Giovanni "Banoy" Lopez stated that the policy is a mechanical necessity for national food security. By removing a significant portion of port overhead, the DOTr intends to ensure that inter-island distribution remains cost-effective for truckers operating on thin margins. Lopez emphasized that the "uninterrupted" flow of essential goods is a priority as the government monitors the duration of the conflict abroad.
"The decreased RORO terminal fee will help in lowering the operating costs of owners or drivers of vehicles with agri products," Lopez said.
PPA General Manager Jay Santiago has instructed port managers to oversee the immediate implementation across all government-managed terminals. While the PPA recently approved tariff increases for passenger terminals and cargo handling in Batangas and Manila North Port for 2026, this specific "Piso Fee" serves as a temporary exemption to shield the agricultural supply chain from broader inflationary trends. The policy will undergo a review after six months.