Keen Cargo Joins PMTLAI Meeting on Port Congestion

October 19, 2026 | Seda Manila Bay, Philippines

Keen Cargo Logistics Inc. participated in the General Membership Meeting (GMM) of the Philippine Multimodal Transport and Logistics Association, Inc. (PMTLAI), held on Monday, October 19, 2026, at Seda Manila Bay. The meeting brought together industry stakeholders to discuss pressing challenges in the Philippine logistics sector, with particular emphasis on port congestion, empty-container returns, shipping industry regulations, and evolving tax compliance requirements.

Representing Keen Cargo Logistics were Mr. Isaac James Jimenez, General Manager and Company Director; Mr. Florencio Dennis Briones, Trucking Department Manager and Company Director; and Ms. Cherry Tabigue, Customer Service and Operations Manager. Their participation reflects Keen’s continued commitment to staying informed on industry developments, strengthening operational coordination, and supporting initiatives that promote a more efficient and sustainable logistics environment.

Addressing Port Congestion and Empty-Container Challenges

One of the meeting’s central discussions focused on the ongoing port congestion affecting Metro Manila and its wider impact on the Philippine logistics industry. The session, led by resource speaker Atty. Agaton Teodoro Uvero, examined the operational pressures arising from high port-yard utilization, increasing import volumes, and limited availability of empty-container return facilities.

Current Port Conditions and Operational Impact

The reported figures underscored the severity of the situation. The Manila International Container Port (MICP) recorded approximately 88% yard utilization, with around 1.35 million containers handled year-to-date, while the Port of Manila (POM) reported utilization at 127%. These conditions continue to place considerable pressure on trucking operations, shipping lines, customs brokers, freight forwarders, and other stakeholders throughout the supply chain.

The discussion also highlighted that port congestion is not an isolated concern. Delays in returning empty containers can disrupt truck availability, affect delivery schedules, increase operational costs, and create a chain reaction across the entire logistics network.

Proposed Immediate Measures to Ease Congestion

As part of the immediate measures being considered, participants discussed the potential use of Batangas and Subic ports as alternative gateways, the possible diversion of shipments to POM where operationally feasible, and the prioritization of shipping lines participating in the Empty Loadout Shipping Agreement (ELSA).

The forum also addressed the elevation of port congestion concerns to Cabinet-level officials, emphasizing the need for coordinated government intervention and practical solutions that respond to the industry's current operational realities.

Joint Administrative Order: Strengthening Industry Regulation

The proposed Joint Administrative Order (JAO) involving the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Department of Finance (DOF), and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) was another key topic.

The discussion covered proposed measures intended to improve transparency, accountability, and coordination within the shipping industry. Among the proposals raised were the establishment of a regulatory framework or ceiling for shipping-line charges, the development of a centralized system through which customs brokers and trucking operators could monitor container-yard availability, and stronger accountability mechanisms for shipping lines.

These initiatives highlight the importance of clear regulatory guidelines and accessible operational information in helping logistics providers plan more effectively, manage resources, and respond to changing port conditions.

Moving Toward Sustainable Solutions

Beyond immediate operational adjustments, the meeting explored long-term recommendations to address the recurring problem of port congestion and empty-container accumulation.

Proposals included establishing a dedicated government body to oversee and regulate the shipping industry, implementing a coordinated empty-container sweeping and evacuation program, requiring shipping lines to maintain their own container yards, and securing national government support for permanent infrastructure and operational improvements.

A key takeaway from the forum was that port diversion alone cannot provide a lasting solution. Meaningful progress will require sustained collaboration among government agencies, port operators, shipping lines, customs brokers, freight forwarders, and trucking companies.

For Keen Cargo Logistics, these discussions reinforce the importance of industry-wide cooperation and proactive operational planning, particularly in addressing challenges that directly affect trucking efficiency, container turnaround, and the reliability of cargo movement.

BIR Updates: Electronic Invoicing and Tax Compliance

The meeting also featured a presentation by Atty. Alden Labaguis of SGV & Co., who discussed electronic invoicing requirements and related Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) regulatory updates affecting businesses.

Electronic Invoicing Requirements and Covered Taxpayers

Among the matters presented were the electronic invoicing implementation deadline of December 21, 2026, and the taxpayer categories identified as covered under the applicable requirements. These included e-commerce businesses, certain large taxpayers classified as RL Type 2, AOPP large taxpayers with annual sales of ₱1 billion and above, and taxpayers using a Computerized Accounting System (CAS).

Additional BIR Regulations and Compliance Considerations

The presentation also discussed BIR Revenue Memorandum Circular (RMC) No. 5-2024 and referenced Revenue Regulations (RR) No. 6-2026, including an October 16, 2026 deadline mentioned during the session. Businesses were reminded of the importance of reviewing applicable requirements and confirming their compliance obligations with the BIR or their tax advisers.

For Keen Cargo Logistics, keeping abreast of these regulatory developments forms part of responsible business management and the continuing effort to maintain sound administrative and compliance practices.

Keen Cargo Logistics: Staying Informed, Moving Forward

Participation in the PMTLAI General Membership Meeting provided Keen Cargo Logistics with an opportunity to engage with current industry concerns, gain insights from resource speakers, and take part in discussions on potential solutions to shared operational challenges.

As the Philippine logistics sector navigates port congestion, container-return constraints, regulatory developments, and evolving tax requirements, Keen Cargo Logistics remains committed to operational efficiency, responsible business practices, and constructive engagement with industry stakeholders.

Through continued industry participation and collaboration, Keen Cargo Logistics supports the collective pursuit of a more coordinated, resilient, and sustainable logistics industry in the Philippines.