PPA gives 30-day reprieve on port rental payments

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The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) granted lessees and port terminal operators a 30-day grace period to pay rental dues and concession fees falling due within the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) period.

PPA Memorandum Circular No. 17-2020 dated April 23 said the payment will not incur interest, penalties, fees, and other charges for the period involved.

Extending payment of rental and concession fees is in compliance with Republic Act No. 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, which moved statutory deadlines for filing and submission of documents, payment of taxes, fees and other charges required by law, and the grant of any benefit, to ease the burden on individuals under ECQ.

The reprieve will start from the last due date of the rent or concession fee falling within the ECQ period. (The ECQ has been extended until May 15 for several high-risk areas, including National Capital Region.)

A 12% interest and 25% penalty charge per annum will be imposed on late payment of rental charges and concession fees upon expiration of the 30-day grace period.

Earlier, PPA also extended the validity of all PPA permits that expired before March 17, 2020 and will expire during the effectivity of the ECQ to June 30, 2020 or until the lifting of the ECQ.

READ: PPA extends validity of all permits amid lockdown extension