THE Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) will be imposing new storage rates for overstaying inbound containers already cleared for transfer from the Manila International Container Terminal and the ports of South Harbor, Batangas, and Subic, Malacanang said Wednesday.

The new rates were contained in Memorandum Circular 12, series of 2014, issued by PPA, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in a press briefing.

A total of P5,000 pesos will be imposed on a 20-footer container on the 11th day after imported containers are cleared and issued gate passes by the Bureau of Customs for withdrawal.

A 35-footer will be charged P8,750; a 40-footer P10,000; and a 45-footer P11,250.

The circular will take effect 15 days after publication in national newspapers of general circulation, Lacierda said.

The government has announced a plan to decongest the Port of Manila by transferring containers to private warehouses and to the ports of Batangas and Subic. (SDR/Sunnex)