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MALACAÑAN PALACE
MANILA

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES

[ EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 308, October 31, 2000 ]

ACCELERATING THE PRIVATIZATION OF THE NORTH HARBOR

WHEREAS, the state recognizes the need to privatize and modernize the North Harbor so as to improve its ability to service its users efficiently and to help it attain world-class efficiency;

WHEREAS, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is mandated by Section 2, Paragraphs (a) & (b) of its Charter, Presidential Decree No. 857, as amended, to optimize port financing and development and to ensure the smooth flow of waterborne commerce passing through the country’s ports;

WHEREAS, privatization of the North Harbor will free-up the PPA from the day to day management of the harbor and allow it to set its sites on aggressively developing the country’s outports as provided for by Section 2 Paragraphs (c) & (e) of its Charter, Presidential Decree No. 857, as amended;

WHEREAS, in order to maximize the benefits of privatization there should be many bidders; the bidding process should be transparent; and the Terms of Reference should include clear commitments, in terms of deliverables, to modernize the North Harbor;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH EJERCITO ESTRADA, President of the Republic of the Philippines by virtue of the power vested upon me by law, do hereby order:

Section 1. The Department of Transportation and Communication, through the PPA, to expedite the bidding of the North Harbor and encourage the participation of many bidders by:

a. Splitting the North Harbor into two packages – the first package to include Slip 0, Piers 2 to 12, while the second package will include Piers 14, 16 & the Vet Yard.

b. To include in the bidding one strategic port in Mindanao;

c. To include gantry cranes at all relevant piers in the Terms of the bidding process and such other commitments necessary to ensure the development of modern terminal facilities;

d.1aшphi1 To appoint an independent Watchdog composed of members of the private sector endorsed by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry and who represent users of the North Harbor to oversee the privatization and bidding process of the PPA.

e. This will include the feasibility study, the required infrastructure investment and other related matters;

f. The bidding process should ensure that all domestic cargoes are transferred to local terminals situated outside the Pier compound while all international cargoes will be left behind to the loaded for international destined vessels.

This will further decongest the R10 highway which will result in smoother traffic for vehicles heading towards Malabon, Navotas and other Northern destinations.

Section 2. Repealing Clause. All Executive orders, rules, regulations and other issuances or parts thereof which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Executive order are hereby revoked or modified accordingly.

Section 3. Effectivity. This Executive order shall take effect immediately upon approval.

DONE in the City of Manila, this 31st day of October in the year of Our Lord, two thousand.

(Sgd.) JOSEPH EJERCITO ESTRADA

By the President:

(Sgd.) RONALDO B. ZAMORA
Executive Secretary

The Lawphil Project - Arellano Law Foundation

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