a. Identify and develop strategic logistics corridors based on a National Logistics Master Plan
The SCMB Corridor and other strategic logistics corridors must be developed to become seamless intermodal logistics corridors. In support of this, a Logistics Master Plan shall be completed to guide overall development. This plan shall consider the intermodality of the transport network system, the industrial and area development plans and the identification of the necessary initiatives, programs, and projects. It will promote subregional economic-cum-logistics cooperation and will fully utilize the logistics systems that link the regions traversed by the logistics corridor (e.g., Central Luzon, Metro Manila, and Southern Tagalog for the SCMB corridor). The aim shall be an "economic corridor" where development benefits not only large cities but also smaller towns and rural areas along the corridor.5
The extension of the SCMB logistics corridor farther to the north and to the south will also be pursued. To support this, the viability of establishing an efficient long-distance, high-speed mass rail transit system, integrated with the mass transit commuter rail system in Metro Manila, shall be explored alongside the rationalization of the roles of various government agencies and entities concerned with mass rail transport development. The feasibility of freight-rail services for all strategic logistics corridors will also be considered.
b. Improve the RRTS
Interisland logistics shall be enhanced by further developing the RRTS. Studies on the domestic shipping industry shall also be undertaken to identify concrete measures to lower interisland shipping costs. Where needed, the maritime regulator shall intervene to ensure competition in the industry pursuant to RA 9295. Efforts to improve performance and efficiency in port operations shall likewise be pursued.
c. Explore ASEAN connectivity through sea linkages
The Philippine archipelago's proximity to other Asian countries is an obvious reason to explore the establishment of an ASEAN RORO Network, a Philippine initiative adopted as one of the "flagship" programs in the ASEAN Connectivity Masterplan during the 17th ASEAN Summit in Ha Noi, Viet Nam. In support of this initiative, the government shall study the development of existing RORO ports to accommodate international RORO ships as well as the necessary regulatory framework to promote such service. The development of port facilities through PPP to cater to cruise tourism, both servicing interisland and international cruise vessels, may also be explored.
d. Expand the Air Services
Full implementation of EO No. 219 shall be pursued. The Philippines shall allow airlines from foreign countries to fly to any airport in the country except Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), which is currently congested.
The Government shall ensure that each participating foreign country shall reciprocate by allowing airlines from the Philippines to fly to any of its airports. Each foreign country may also exclude one of their major airports during the period of exclusion of NAIA. (Please refer to Chapter 2: Competitive Industry and Services Sectors).
To address the overlapping and conflicting functions of transport and other concerned agencies
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5 National Competitiveness Council (NCC)