CLARK FREEPORT – The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) and the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) recently inked a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and a Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) for the pilot implementation of the Unified Logistics Pass (ULP) that will simplify requirements and procedures for transporting goods inside this Freeport.

CDC President and CEO Manuel R. Gaerlan and ARTA Deputy Director General for Operations Usec. Ernesto V. Perez signed the agreement during a simple ceremony held at the CDC corporate office.

According to ARTA, the application of ULP will streamline requirements for a unified Quick Response (QR) Code that will eliminate the varying and separate pass-through stickers being required by economic zones, ports, and local government units (LGUs). The use of ULP will also facilitate easier movement of products and ease port-entry restrictions.

In a statement, Gaerlan said that the ULP will bolster the promotion of ‘ease of doing business’ in the Freeport. He also thanked ARTA for their strengthened partnership and expressed optimism on the provision of ULP.

 “We thank ARTA with this Memorandum of Agreement and Joint Memorandum Circular on the application of ULP and we welcome this development in Clark,” Gaerlan added.

For his part, Perez underscored the benefits of utilizing ULP for trucks, vehicles, and logistics. He mentioned that this will likewise be beneficial in ensuring unhampered business operations for investors.

 “We are so happy that Clark Development Corporation is open to this idea because this will eliminate ‘colorum’ trucks and vehicles and it will also avoid other problems. This will also give assurance to investors, trucks, and logistics owners that they will be allowed to travel seamlessly and unimpeded, and at the same time, protect their investments,” Perez said.

The implementation of ULP supports the Republic Act 11032 or also known as the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery of 2018 which was signed into law under the Duterte Administration. This law aims to streamline the current systems and procedures of government services. It also mandates all government offices and agencies to adopt simplified processes that will reduce red tape and expedite government transactions.

Other officials who witnessed the signing are CDC Assistant Vice President for Business Enhancement Group Atty. Noelle Mina Meneses, CDC Manager for Public Safety Division BGen. Antonio Rosario, CDC-PSD Assistant Manager Robin Cenzon, CDC Property Officer IV Joseph Robert Franco, CDC Corporate Planning Division (CPD) Assistant Manager Elizabeth Magat, and CDC CPD Officer III Yolanda Pinlac.

ARTA Project Development Officer V Luminada Rotol and ARTA Project Development IV Rudyard Dominick Hipe were also in attendance.

Agencies and organizations who also pledged support on the ULP program include Department of Transportation (DOTr), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), University of the Philippines Public Administration Research and Extension Services-Regulatory Reform Support Program for National Development, World Bank, and DevConnect Philippines, Inc.