Palace: No truck holiday

MANILA, Philippines - It’s business as usual for cargo operators and trucks plying Metro Manila as no truck ban is in effect during Pope Francis’ five-day visit to the country, Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras said Tuesday.

Almendras issued the statement to dispel rumors of a total truck ban in the metropolis.

He said trucks would still be allowed in Metro Manila roads, except in areas that will be closed for the papal events.

“The ports in Manila will not be closed for five days as rumored,” Almendras said, noting there had been discussions on how to deal with port operations during the pope’s visit.

He said movement of cargo and trucks would be allowed in regular routes, but not on roads that would be affected by the papal events.

He assured businessmen, importers and exporters that the pope’s visit would not hamper port operations.

For its part, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) clarified that there is no total truck ban in the metropolis but the existing truck ban rules would remain in effect.

MMDA assistant general manager for operations Emerson Carlos said the agency issued the clarification to prevent confusion among truckers.

“Trucks can still ply their routes in Metro Manila during the truck ban window hours. But since a majority of the truck routes, particularly those coming from and going to the Manila ports, will be closed for the papal activities, there is no other recourse for truck operators but to cease operations temporarily,” Carlos said.

He said existing truck ban rules along EDSA, C-5, Commonwealth Avenue, Katipunan Avenue and other roads would remain in effect.

Carlos said the MMDA was able to convince truck operators to voluntarily stop their operations during the papal visit.

Ports open

Philippine Ports Authority general manager Juan Sta. Ana said the country’s major ports – Manila International Container Terminal (MICT), North Port, Harbor Center Port Terminals Inc. and Tacloban baseport – would remain open for business during the papal visit.

“It will be business as usual for Philippine ports but on a calibrated procedure as we need to align our operations to the security measures being implemented,” Sta. Ana said.

The PPA has advised its stakeholders to take measures to reduce the impact of their operation slowdown to give way to security measures being implemented for the papal visit.

“While it is expected to crowd our ports, particularly the Manila ports, we have to strike a balance between the pope’s safety and the uninterrupted flow of travel and trade,” Sta. Ana said.

The MICT of port giant International Container Terminal Services Inc. advised their users to pull out import containers in order not to disrupt operations, and use the northern truck routes to ensure smooth travel.

The North Port, the country’s top domestic terminal, will be on full commercial operations until Saturday.

The Manila South Harbor of Asian Terminals Inc. will be closed on Sunday due to its proximity to the Manila Cathedral and Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park.

For vessel operations, the Philippine Coast Guard limited the entry and exit of vessels only to the south entrance or exit of Manila Bay. – With Mike Frialde, Lawrence Agcaoili