EDITORIAL - DTI's concern

The Department of Trade and Industry in Region 7 is concerned that the ongoing daytime truck ban in Manila will result in a scarcity of goods, especially in Cebu, because of the resulting slow movement of shipments.

The daytime truck ban was imposed in Manila on orders of Mayor Joseph Estrada as a means to ease traffic congestion in his city. As a result, it takes time for truck borne cargo to make it to and from the port area.

Be that as it may, the DTI should concern itself less with the slow movement of goods and more on the possibility that opportunists may take advantage of the situation. For while it may be true that goods may be delayed, it does not necessarily translate into a shortage.

In other words, whatever inconvenience may arise is a temporary one and for which there certainly has to be a solution. In fact, because of the controversy generated by the truck ban, who knows if Estrada might eventually lift the ban.

This is what the DTI should concern itself about, instead of playing into the controversy over which it is not supposed to be a party of. It is good that the DTI is aware of the complications. Let us see if it matches its awareness with action.

And by action is meant monitoring and vigilance. The DTI must be alert against any price manipulation by unscrupulous traders who might make the slow movement of goods as an excuse to push the idea that there is a shortage when in fact there is none.

The DTI must tell everyone, both traders and the public, that it is fully aware of the situation and that there is no shortage, only a slow delivery of goods for which there is no reason for anyone to jack up prices.

Besides, even if there is no improvement in the situation in Manila, there are a variety of other means to bring the goods without having to be caught in the truck ban controversy. There are other ports in Luzon that can be used as alternates, or goods can be trucked all the way. That is what the nautical highway is for.