Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
Quezon City, Metro Manila

‘Twentieth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 238 3

Introduced by Representative Raymond Adrian E. Salceda

AN ACT
MANDATING THE CONTAINERIZATION AND MODERNIZATION OF THE PORT OF
LEGAZPI AND THE SUB-PORT OF TABACO, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR,
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES:

EXPLANATORY NOTE

As of 2024, both the Port of Legazpi and the Sub-Port of Tabaco lack container-
handling capability despite their proximity to agricultural and industrial production zones in
the Province of Albay. Exporters and shippers in the interior munieipalities—including the 3rd
District of Albay—are forced to route containerized cargo through Batangas or Manila,
increasing costs, turnaround times, and dependence on road transport.

The Department of Transportation and the Philippine Ports Authority have
acknowledged that both ports have strategic potential for regional container operations,
especially with growing interest from carriers such as Regional Container Lines (RCL), which
cited cargo potential from southern and westem Albay.

In particular, the municipalities of Libon, Polangui, Oas, Pio Duran, and Guinobatan
rely heavily on these ports for access to inter-island markets. The successful development of
the Pantao Agricultural Port and the proposed Bicol Ecozone in Libon will also require direct
container connectivity via Legazpi and Tabaco.

Containerization of these ports will (1) reduce overland truck traffic on the Maharlika
Highway, (2) allow for the shipment of higher-value and perishable goods, (3) provide an
export-ready outlet for Bicol farmers and manufacturers, and (4) generate jobs in port services,
logistics, and cold chain management.

This bill therefore mandates the Philippine Ports Authority to implement a full
containerization plan for both ports. It is filed in the spirit of district cooperation, given the
interdependence of infrastructure and production zones across Albay’s districts. While these


ports are located in Legazpi City and Tabaco City, they directly serve the logistical needs of
the 3rd District and must be modernized in order to unlock its full economic potential.

Immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

E. SALCEDA


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

‘Twentieth Congress
First Regular Session

2383

HOUSE BILL NO. ___

Introduced by Representative Raymond Adrian E. Salceda

AN ACT
MANDATING THE CONTAINERIZATION AND MODERNIZATION OF THE PORT OF
LEGAZPI AND THE SUB-PORT OF TABACO, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR,
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Legazpi-Tabaco Port
Containerization and Modernization Act.”

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. — It is hereby declared the policy of the State to
modernize port infrastructure and logistics systems to reduce transportation costs, improve
export competitiveness, and decongest road networks. The development of regional container
ports shall be prioritized to ensure equitable growth across provinces and to support food
security and trade development.

SEC. 3. Mandate for Containerization. — The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), in
coordination with the Department of Transportation (DOT®), is hereby mandated to develop
container-handling capacity and modem cargo processing facilities at the Port of Legazpi and
the Sub-Port of Tabaco. Such development shall include the installation of container cranes,
container yards, scanners, cold storage facilities, and integrated digital systems for port
operations.

SEC. 4. Regional Role and Justification. - The Ports of Legazpi and Tabaco serve as
the primary maritime outlets for agricultural, fisheries, and light industrial goods from the
interior municipalities of Albay, including those in the 3rd District such as Libon, Polangui,
as, Pio Duran, and Guinobatan. They are also essential transshipment points for cargo from
Pantao Port and the proposed Bicol Special Economic Zone. As such, their modemization


directly benefits the productive base of the province and enhances inter-district economic
connectivity.

SEC. 5. Implementation. — The PPA shall serve as the lead implementing agency, and
shall prepare and implement a containerization and modemization plan for each port. The
agency shall also engage with shipping lines, exporters, and local government units to ensure
cargo volume sufficiency and operational sustainability.

SEC. 6. Appropriations. ~ The amount necessary for the implementation of this Act
shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. The PPA may also access official
development assistance (ODA), public-private partnerships (PPP), and internal corporate funds
for this purpose.

SEC. 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. ~ Within ninety (90) days from the
effectivity of this Act, the PPA, in consultation with the DOTr and other concerned agencies,

shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this Act.

SEC. 8. Separability Clause. — If any provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional
or invalid, the other provisions not affected shall remain in full force and effect.

SEC. 9. Repealing Clause. — All laws, executive orders, rules, and regulations
inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or amended accordingly.

SEC. 10. Effectivity. ~ This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication
in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,