WHEREAS, by virtue of Executive Order (E.O.) No. 170 dated January 22, 2003, a new policy promoting the participation of and investment by the private sector in the development of the Road Roll-on/Roll-off Terminal System (RRTS) was established:

WHEREAS, under E.O. No. 170, the RRTS is defined as the network of terminals all over the country, separated by a distance of not more than fifty (50) nautical miles and linked by Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) vessels.

WHEREAS, there is a need to expand the coverage of the RRTS to include long-haul Ro-Ro vessels so as to further support the agri-fisheries modernization and food security programs of the Government and to reduce the cost of inter-island transportation.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, President of the Republic of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby order:

SECTION 1. Section 1, subparagraph (c) of Executive Order No. 170 dated January 22, 2003 is hereby amended to read as follows: 

"c. Road Ro-Ro Terminal System (RRTS) shall refer to the network of terminals all over the country, regardless of the distance covered and linked by Ro-Ro vessels; and"

SECTION 2. Section 3 of Executive Order No. 170 is hereby amended by adding thereto a new paragraph which shall read as follows: 

"The RRTS toll shall be applicable to:

a. All self-powered vehicles loaded and discharged on their own wheels by their owners or drivers between vessel and shore via a ramp; and 

b. All vessels to the extent that they are actually engaged in Ro-Ro operations." 

SECTION 3. The Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) are hereby directed to formulate and submit for the approval of the President an incentive program for Ro-Ro vessel and terminal operators in pioneering, missionary, developmental or underdeveloped routes or links.

SECTION 4. Within fifteen (15) days from the effectivity of this Executive Order, the DOTC shall, after due consultation, issue the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations for Executive Order No. 170, as amended.

SECTION 5. This Executive Order shall take effect immediately upon approval.

Adopted: 09 June 2003

(SGD.) ALBERTO G. ROMULO
  Executive Secretary