02/09/2026
September 2, 2026 | The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) welcomed the restoration of normal cargo operations at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), following coordinated interventions by the Bureau of Customs (BOC), People’s Air Cargo & Warehousing Co., Inc. (PairCargo), and industry stakeholders to address congestion and ensure the timely movement of shipments.
Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno officially declared on August 28 that the NAIA port congestion had been resolved.
The resolution followed sustained interventions by BOC-NAIA in coordination with PairCargo and the trading community, including expedited cargo processing, prioritization of critical shipments, warehouse monitoring, and immediate action on operational concerns.
ARTA Secretary Ernesto V. Perez emphasized that the development demonstrates the value of collaboration between government and the private sector in resolving operational concerns before they escalate.
“Sa ARTA, sanay kami na makarinig ng reklamo. Pero yung mga ganitong positive statements from our stakeholders are moving our hearts to do better. We believe in this government where problems can be confined and addressed immediately” Perez said.
He also underscored the significant impact of delays in the release of imported raw materials, noting that every minute or hour of delay can result not only in lost production and profits, but potentially affect lives.
Moving forward, Secretary Perez highlighted streamlining and digitalization as key to addressing operational bottlenecks. He noted that the BOC is working with concerned agencies to implement the National Single Window Program, which is expected to facilitate paperless importation and exportation and improve the efficiency of trade processes.
“The best way really to address these issues is to apply the streamlined and digitalization process,” he said, emphasizing that the Philippines can also draw from the experiences of countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, and the United Arab Emirates.
Industry stakeholders welcomed the resolution and recognized the BOC’s direct engagement in addressing critical shipments.
Ralph Morales, Country Director for Government Relations and Public Affairs of Texas Instruments Philippines, said BOC’s intervention enabled the company to clear 99% of its critical shipments within days, helping protect production lines and the jobs of more than 4,500 employees.
The Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation, Inc. (SEIPI) likewise expressed appreciation to the BOC, Department of Finance, Philippine Economic Zone Authority, PairCargo, and other government and industry partners for addressing the congestion.
Meanwhile, Philippine Multimodal Transport and Logistics Association Inc. President Greg Sebastian commended BOC-NAIA for taking a proactive and solutions-oriented approach in addressing the situation.
BOC-NAIA District Collector Atty. Maria Yasmin M. Obillos-Mapa assured stakeholders that the Port of NAIA would sustain the improvements and work to prevent a recurrence of the issue.
ARTA will continue to work closely with government agencies and private-sector stakeholders in addressing regulatory and operational bottlenecks and promoting a more efficient and business-friendly environment in line with Republic Act No. 11032, or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Law in Bagong Pilipinas.
