Coal haulers want load limit exemption

CEBU, Philippines - Some coal operators asked to be exempted from the load limit to be imposed by the Province of Cebu if their trucks haul filling materials intended to help repair government roads.

One operator, Argao Vice Mayor Stanley Caminero, aired this concern during a public hearing yesterday on the proposed ordinance setting load limit on trucks loading and hauling coal plying the provincial roads sponsored by Board Member Thadeo Ouano.

The proposed ordinance prohibits hauling truck carrying more than 16 tons from plying provincial roads within the Province of Cebu.

A ten-wheeler hauling truck is presumed to be carrying coal within the limit set if its dump box dimensions does not exceed 2.3 meters in width, 4.7 meters in length and 1.3 meters in height.

The truck must also bear the markings, “FOR COAL OPERATION USE ONLY,” for ease and to facilitate the identification, inspection and implementation of the load limit.

Caminero said that there were instances when their trucks were loaded with limestone and other filling materials to backfill damaged roads they were using without waiting for the government to act.

“Unfair sad kaayo nga nitabang gani mi sa gobyerno, dakpon na hinoon ang among truck,” he said.

Provincial legal officer Marino Martinquilla suggested that concerned operators must inform the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office personnel tasked in the implementation of the ordinance so they can be given consideration.

PB Member Alex Binghay proposed that another provision be added to the proposed ordinance with regards to notice of exception but lawyer Gerry Mahusay, representing the Mines and Geo-sciences Bureau, said there was no need to add the provision.

Mahusay said that operators must add other provisions of the law if their trucks haul materials other than coal.

For instance, Mahusay said that if trucks haul filling materials the operator must comply with the mining law and related local ordinances.

Ouano noted the concern of Caminero as the proposed ordinance is still subject for deliberation in the Provincial Board for second reading.

Meanwhile, PB Member Jose Ribomapil Holganza Jr. who heads the Liga ng mga Barangay in the Province of Cebu commented that imposing such policy is just “an emergency measure.”

The barangay captains are among those who will be tasked to implement the ordinance.

Holganza said that roads must conform with the standard rather than limiting the size of the truck that will traverse it. — (FREEMAN)