Consumer groups raise concern over transport holiday

MANILA, Philippines — The consumer group CitizenWatch is urging the trucking sector not to disturb the movement of goods by going on a transport protest to air their concerns to the government.

Christopher “Kit” Belmonte, CitizenWatch co-convenor, said declaring a port strike would only harm consumers and would not necessarily solve the issues raised by the truckers groups.

“A port holiday could create another burden for ordinary Filipinos who are already having a hard time. It will only disrupt the movement of food, medicine, fuel and other essential goods,” Belmonte said.

He noted that while long lines, congestion and difficulties in returning empty shipping containers are legitimate issues requiring government action, these could not be resolved by declaring a port strike.

“What is needed is action – not a stoppage of the flow of goods,” Belmonte said, as he urged government agencies, shipping lines, port operators, container depots and truckers to coordinate on concrete solutions that are supported by clear timelines and accountability.

Louie Montemayor, Konsyumer at Mamamayan convenor, said operations need to continue while negotiations between the government, shipping lines, port operators, container depots and truckers are ongoing.

“There should be concrete reforms, accountability and certain deadlines. Fix the system without halting the flow of goods. Let’s not allow consumers to pay for neglect and lack of coordination,” Montemayor said.

Rina Papa, Alliance of Concerned Truck Owners and Organizations vice president, said ACTOO stayed away from the transport holiday, saying there is a time to set everything in order.

“It’s true, that (the strike) would have a disruptive effect on the economy,” Papa said.

Other groups had also criticized transport holiday, saying it would only harm consumers through higher prices, but achieve nothing.

At least three truckers groups have declared a three-day transport holiday, citing operational concerns they described as “worse than the pandemic.”