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Philippines lifts truck ban as Manila port congestion becomes infamous

THE Philippines has lifted a truck ban which in seven months led to major losses for both importers and exporters, created food shortages and increased costs of basic amenities.

Last week, MCC Transport chief commercial officer Naresh Potty told Containerisation International that Manila was the worst-performing of all of Asia抯 key ports.

Manila mayor Joseph Estrada lifted the ban, allowing trucks to enter Manila at any time of day. When the ban was imposed in February, trucks were restricted from entering the city from 5am to 9pm Monday to Friday.

This resulted in port congestion because of the limited time trucks could move. Then the ban was applied to rush hour periods from 6am and 10am and from 5pm to 10pm.

The ban was introduced by Mr Estrada following complaints from Manila residents about lengthy traffic jams they blamed on trucks calling at the port.