Truckers warn of delivery slowdown

The Confederation of the Truckers Association of the Philippines (CTAP) has warned of a possible slowdown in the delivery of basic goods nationwide if the government continues to ignore problems hounding their industry.

CTAP president Jose Cortes said President Arroyo’s program to improve the country’s economy could be affected if their concerns are not addressed.

"How can the economy improve when the trucking industry is ailing? The trucking industry is one of the components that complement the President’s effort to improve the economy," he pointed out.

The CTAP earlier asked Mrs. Arroyo to address the several issues, particularly the truck ban currently being imposed by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and some provinces and cities in the southern part of the country.

The truckers also cited problems that gradually kill the trucking industry, including arbitrary imposition of towing charges, extortion by police and hijacking.

Cortes pointed out that some provinces and cities like Laguna, Batangas, Cavite and cities like Muntinlupa have started their own truck ban scheme. – Cecille Suerte Felipe