The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is closing condemned Pier 13 in Manila South Harbor from commercial and non-commercial maritime and ancillary activities starting November 12, 2019.
PPA general manager Atty. Jay Daniel Santiago, in PPA Memorandum Order (MO) No. 19-2019 dated November 6, said the closure is “in view of the weak structural state of Pier 13.” The pier has been declared condemned since 2011.
Non-compliance to MO 19-2019 will constitute an administrative violation punishable under Section 43 (Penalties) of Presidential Decree 857 (Revised Charter of PPA), as amended. The offender will also be liable for the cost of damage to the facilities arising from the violation.
Port operator Asian Terminals Inc. (ATI), in a statement sent to PortCalls, said the closure of Pier 13 “will not, in any way, impact the efficient operations at Manila South Harbor” as the pier is not part of its operational area.
“After being declared condemned in 2011, the jurisdiction over the facility has been with the port authority. All commercial activities have since effectively ceased in the area pursuant to ATI’s stringent safety protocols,” ATI said.
“The marine terminal is business as usual,” ATI added.
