Section 51December 22, 1997, Sec./Art. 51

Fishports, Seaports and Airports. - The Department of Transportation and Communications, Philippine Ports Authority and Philippine Fisheries Development Authority shall coordinate with the Department for the purpose of determining priority fishports, seaports and airports and facilitating the installation of bulk-handling and storage facilities , and other post-harvest facilities needed to enhance the marketing of agriculture and fisheries products Provided, that fishports , seaports an airports are also equipped with quarantine , sanitary and phytosanitary centers.

The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) shall have the mandate to cancel arrastre and cargo handling franchises among operators whom it deems inefficient and/or ineffective owing, but not limited to, a past history of under-capitalization, lack of equipment and lack of professional expertise. The DOTC shall recommend to the Philippine Ports Authority and consult with ship-owners and ship-operators in assessing the cargo-handling capabilities of cargo operators prior to extending new franchises or awards.