Manila truck ban will affect economy: truckers

MANILA – A group of truckers on Thursday said it will try to appeal Manila's day-time truck ban with different concerned government agencies. Rodolfo de Ocampo, chairman of the Confederation of Truckers of the Philippines, said the group will write a letter to the Departments of Trade, Transportation and Communications, and even Finance to tell them about the ban's negative impact on the economy and the public. "Malaki epekto niyan sa ating ekonomiya at ating mga truckers. Biruin mo andun yung dalawang pier – North at South Harbor. Malaki epekto niyan sa ekonomiya dahil paano kami makakapaghakot ng kargamento at dadalhin sa iba't ibang lugar kung maghapon ang truck ban," De Ocampo told dzMM. De Ocampo said truckers will be facing logistical challenges with implementation of the ban, noting that warehouses are closed during the evening. He argued that several expensive shipments are usually being ferried during the day for obvious security reasons. He also fears that the ban will result in congestion of trucks at the piers of Manila. Nonetheless, De Ocampo said truckers will still follow the ban, signed by Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada on Wednesday and will become effective February 10, just to show the government about its adverse effects. Under resolution no. 7570, eight-wheel trucks with a gross weight of above 4,500 kilograms will only be allowed on city streets from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. every day except on Saturdays and Sundays. Gravel and sand trucks, cargo trucks, cement mixers, sand tractor trailers and containerized trucks are included in the travel ban. Meanwhile, refrigerated haulers carrying perishable goods, oil tankers, and trucks used for government projects are exempted from the ban. But these will have to get permits from the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB) before they will be allowed to pass through the city streets. Manila has designated alternate routes -- Roxas Boulevard and R-10 -- for trucks coming from and going to the pier. Trucks caught violating the ordinance will be meted a P5,000 fine. The trucks may also be impounded. - with ANC