Port operator Asian Terminals Inc. (ATI) has formally launched a “revitalized” online platform for making online payments, making settling of port fees faster and more convenient for its stakeholders.
ATI’s ePay Portals, developed by in-house technology experts, have been linked to ATI’s electronic banking partners Banco de Oro and Metrobank to enable customers to “conveniently and securely pay import and export-related fees and charges online, anytime, anywhere,” the port operator said in a statement.
More banks and electronic options are in the offing.
This development is aligned with Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 01-202, which mandates the online filing and processing of port applications, as well as the online payment of port dues, fees, cargo-handling and related charges, customs duties and taxes, and shipping line charges.
READ: Online filing of docs, payment for port charges made mandatory
The JMC was signed virtually on August 5 by the Anti-Red Tape Authority, Bureau of Customs, Philippine Ports Authority, and Department of Trade and Industry.
Under the JMC, the agencies and port operators should “calibrate their online system and platforms” to ensure smooth implementation of the new order, which should be fully implemented and complied with within 60 days from its effectivity.
After the 60-day period, manual and face-to-face filing of application and payment will no longer be accommodated except under justifiable reasons such as if the online system malfunctions or payment channels are offline.
ATI said that aside from facilitating trade, contactless transactions form part of public and private sector initiatives against the coronavirus disease.
“As a trade enabler and port technology pioneer, ATI is committed to adapting smart and innovative solutions to fast-track trade and minimize supply chain disruptions, especially during this global pandemic,” ATI executive vice president William Khoury said.
To avail of ATI’s e-payment facilities, port users should register or log in to ATI Webtrack on the company’s official website (https://www.asianterminals.com.ph/).
During the transition, port users may still pay through over-the-counter bank deposits and the revolving fund facility managed by ATI’s Billing & Collections Unit for a limited time so as to avoid delays.
ATI stakeholders are also encouraged to maximize ATI’s ePortals, which include WebTrack, Terminal Appointment Booking System, container traffic light system and MPort mobile app for checking cargo status, printing electronic gate passes, and other port-related transactions.
