MANILA - The Philippine Ports Authority said Friday qualified lessees and operators would be given a 30-day extension on rent and concession payments without penalties to help ease the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

A memorandum circular granting the reprieve was signed Thursday in accordance with the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, the country's anti-coronavirus response law, the PPA said in a statement.

The extension will be computed from the last due date of rent or concession fee falling within the Luzon lockdown period, said
PPA general manager Jay Daniel Santiago.

Manila's ports earlier suffered from congestion after land and sea travel were restricted due to the Luzon lockdown. Cargo flow was back to normal as of Thursday, International Container Terminal Services Inc executive vice-president Christian Gonzalez earlier said.

Banks, lenders and landlords have also earlier offered grace periods for loans, bills, and rents to cushion the impact of the Luzon lockdown.

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