BOC adjusts to truck ban, extends ports' operating hours
BANNED. Manila traffic enforcers tow a truck on the first day of the city's daytime truck ban. Photo by Jose Del/Rappler
MANILA, Philippines – Following an expanded truck ban in the city of Manila, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Thursday, February 27, announced that the Port of Manila (POM) and the Manila International Container Port (MICP) would extend its operating hours.
In a statement, the customs bureau said both the POM and MICP would be open until 9 pm on Thursday, February 27, and Friday, February 28. On Saturday, March 1, the ports will be open from 9 am to 5 pm.
The bureau said it was also considering extending operations to Sunday, depending on the volume of containers that need to be processed and released.
"Additional examiners will be deployed, along with stand-by personnel complement from X-Ray Inspection, to expedite the release of cargo with paid customs duties and taxes," the bureau added.
The BOC earlier reported a drop in income in its two largest ports on the first day of Manila's daytime ban on trucks. Truck groups declared a "truck holiday" to oppose the ban.
Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation Incorporated (SEIPI), meanwhile, described the truck ban as a "threat" to the industry. In a statement, they said SEIPI runs the risk of line shutdown, higher storage costs, and loss of sales because of failing to deliver as promised.
Latest data from the BOC show a continued drop in revenue. From a daily average of P359.76 million in collections at the MICP, collections during the past 3 days stand at P262.76 million, P343.39 million, and P255.73 million.
The POM, meanwhile, experienced a more dramatic drop. From a daily average of P252.95 million before the truck strike, the port's income the past 3 days have barely hit the P200 million mark.
Total estimated losses from February 24 to February 26 stand at P489.98 million, said the customs bureau.
The Makati Business club, meanwhile, said providing infrastructure was still the main solution to solving the problem caused by Manila's truck ban.
"We call on the government to facilitate the immediate construction of much-needed mass transportation and road projects. Government should also provide the necessary infrastructure and incentives to increase cargo traffic in and economic activity around the ports of Subic and Batangas to decongest the port of Manila," the business club said in a statement.
Solving heavy traffic
The truck ban is the city government's newest solution to heavy vehicular traffic in the Philippine capital. Trucks are only allowed to ply the city from 9 pm to 5 am, and only along specific routes.
Days before implementing the ban, the city introduced a 6-month "window period" from 10 am to 3 pm, allowing nearby ports prepare for an increase in activity. Truck operators, however, think the window is still not enough.
Customs Commissioner John Sevilla earlier said the bureau was open to extending or even changing its work hours to accommodate the ban.
Local officials said the ban will also help ease traffic in the congested city, which is expected to worsen because of the construction of Skyway Stage 3.
The local government, led by Mayor Erap Estrada and Vice Mayor Isko Moreno, is determined to implement the controversial ban. It's not the first Manila policy that's ruffling the feathers of many. In 2013, the city introduced a ban on buses without terminals in the city. – Rappler.com
