Truckers warn Manila of truck ban’s effects

MANILA, Philippines - A truckers’ group warned Manila officials yesterday of the potential economic consequences of a daytime truck ban the city government will implement starting Feb. 24.

Rodolfo de Ocampo, Confederation of Truckers Association of the Philippines chairman and Port Users Confederation president, said the ban would adversely affect small and medium enterprises, as well as large firms, that export their products.

“How can the exporters deliver the goods through Manila International Container Port (MICP) and South Harbor?” De Ocampo told The STAR in an interview.

De Ocampo stressed that the city ordinance seemed to have been passed without the appropriate review of its consequences.

The smaller window for truckers to move in and out of Manila’s city limits would limit the number of trucks that can deliver cargo in and out of the MICP and South Harbor, he said.

Under the new ordinance, eight-wheeler trucks with a gross weight of above 4,500 kilos are banned from Manila’s streets from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day except on weekends.

Refrigerated haulers carrying perishable goods, oil tankers, and trucks used for government projects are exempt from the ban, but their operators will have to get permits from the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau before they are allowed to pass through the city’s streets.

Owners of trucks caught violating the ordinance will be meted a P5,000 fine. The trucks may also be impounded.