SBMA Expands Relief Measures: Lower Port Fees, 50% Road Charges Cut, Free E-Bus Rides Continue

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority has announced a new round of relief measures aimed at cushioning businesses, workers, and consumers from the effects of the ongoing global energy crisis triggered by tensions in the Middle East.

In a move expected to benefit shipping, logistics, and transport sectors operating in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, the agency approved deeper reductions in port tariffs, slashed road-user fees, suspended environmental charges, and extended free rides on the Freeport’s electric bus system.

The measures were approved under SBMA Board Resolution No. 26-04-1768 during the 79th Meeting of the Board of Directors held on April 21, 2026. According to the agency, the package supports Executive Order No. 110, which declared a State of National Energy Emergency and launched the government’s Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) Program.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said the agency will further reduce port tariff rates by an additional 30%, on top of an earlier 5% reduction, bringing the total tariff cut to 35%.

The discounted charges cover vessel fees, harbor fees, berthing and anchorage fees, harbor cleaning charges, cargo fees, and wharfage charges. The reduction is expected to lower operating costs for shipping companies and help stabilize prices of imported goods and raw materials entering the country through Subic.

Beyond port operations, the SBMA also announced a 50% reduction in road-user fees inside the Freeport and deferred planned increases in transport charges.

At the same time, the agency confirmed that free rides on the Subic electric bus system will continue for workers, residents, and visitors, helping commuters cope with rising fuel and transport costs.

Another key measure is the temporary suspension of Environmental and Tourism Administrative Fees (ETAF), which will remain on hold until the national energy emergency is lifted.

Aliño emphasized that the interventions are temporary and will remain in effect only while supply disruptions and geopolitical instability continue.

He said the goal is to keep the movement of goods steady while protecting businesses and consumers from inflationary pressures caused by higher global oil prices.

Broad Economic Impact

The latest relief package is expected to benefit a wide range of sectors, including importers, exporters, suppliers, consignees, vessel owners, shipping lines, terminal operators, customs brokers, cargo handlers, and end-users.

Industry observers say the reductions could further strengthen Subic’s position as a competitive trade and logistics gateway at a time when businesses are looking for lower-cost ports and efficient supply chain hubs.

Strategic Support for National Stability

The SBMA said the measures are aligned with the economic stabilization efforts of Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and are intended to help preserve jobs, maintain supply flows, and shield industries from prolonged energy-related disruptions.

With global fuel markets still volatile, the latest steps by SBMA underscore Subic’s growing role as a strategic buffer zone for trade, logistics, and economic resilience in the Philippines. (SNL)

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SBMA to launch e-buses soon

As the Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ) pushes towards its carbon neutrality goal, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is poised to launch pure battery electric buses (PBEB) in this premier Freeport within the year.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said that the PBEB project parallels the agency’s thrust of making the Freeport the first carbon-neutral economic zone in the Philippines, under the “Race to Carbon Neutrality” program.

He added that the PBEB project will entail the construction of fast electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS) at the SBMA Maintenance and Transportation Department (MTD) motor pool area. Another charging station donated by the Department of Energy (DOE) will be installed along Argonaut Highway.

“Ten units of these pure battery electric buses were delivered here in Subic Bay Freeport last May 13.  We have road tested one of the buses on May 27 with several members of the SBMA Board. It is quite comfortable and provides easy access for persons with disabilities,” Aliño said.

For the upcoming launch of the PBEBs inside the Freeport, the SBMA has allotted a budget of ₱10 million for the construction of new bus stops and the rehabilitation of existing ones. Its completion is expected by December 2025.

Apart from the EVCs, the project also includes the renovation of the Kalaklan Gate Terminal, which serves as Subic Bay Freeport’s entry point for people coming from Zambales.

A total of 58 bus stops will be constructed, eight around the Central Business District, 16 at the Cubi Area, six at theme park areas, 18 at the Binictican Housing area, and ten at the Kalayaan Housing area.

The PBEBs were acquired through Golden Asia Automotive Builders, Inc., and manufactured by Xiamen King Long United Automotive Industry Co., Ltd., which was founded in 1988 with over 30 years of bus manufacturing experience.

With a target to reduce carbon emissions by 30 percent by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2040, the SBMA is pushing to become the first Carbon Neutral Port in the country through initiatives such as the ₱250-million Carbon Neutral Port project with shore power connections for ships. (MPD-SBMA)

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2 e-PUVs roam the streets of SBF on test run for 2 weeks

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) inaugurated its public transportation project with the test run of two fully electric public utility vehicles (e-PUVs) around the central business district (CBD) here from September 13 to 27. 

In collaboration with the Basic Energy Corporation, the company behind the Green Energy E-Transport Program (GEEP), this project was conceptualized primarily to provide free or low-cost transportation services to Subic Freeport stakeholders, as part of the wellness program of SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño to improve the quality of life of the local populace.

Aliño lauded the hard work of the SBMA’s committee on public transportation, chaired by Deputy Administrator for Finance Antonietta Sanqui, for the expeditious formulation and pursuance of a roadmap and action plan geared towards achieving a more accessible and affordable yet sustainable and energy-efficient transportation for residents, employees, tourists, and all other stakeholders of the free port. 

The Agency chief added that the e-PUVs on test run will be used to ferry commuters from CBD-A bus stop situated at the Golden Dragon Restaurant parking area, and CBD-B bus stop at the Kalaklan Terminal.

The ePUVs made its inaugural run here during the second Central Luzon Sustainable Tourism Summit held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC) for its ecotour on Wednesday and Thursday. 

“These ePUVs that were used to take tourism summit participants to their designated ecotours here and in Zambales aim to reduce carbon emissions in Subic Bay,” he said.

Basic Energy Corporation is a publicly listed holding company in the Philippines that has business interests in various fields of renewable energy and alternative fuels, and oil and gas exploration and development.

The renewable energy company continues to fuel the Philippines’ vibrant energy sector with the breadth and depth of its projects and technical knowledge. It aims to be the leading developer of alternative and renewable energy, oil and allied products and services in the country. (MPD-SBMA) 

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