Truckers call off strike

MANILA, Philippines - A strike planned by truckers of the country’s two major ports – the Manila International Container Port (MICP) and the Port of Manila (POM) – has been aborted after truckers and government officials discussed congestion problems at the two ports, Bureau of Customs (BOC) officials said Monday.

In a statement, MICP district collector Ricardo Belmonte and POM district collector Rogel Gatchalian said they have already arranged for weekend shipment releases.

“We urge all importers, brokers and truckers to file their entries early on the day or during the weekend so we can lighten up our processing load during weekdays,” Belmonte said.

Gatchalian asked importers to avail of the BOC’s weekend services by opening an account with banks near the two ports so payments for duties can be made even during weekends to facilitate the release of cargo.

“We have made special representations with Aduana based banks to accept payment for duties even during weekends to enable us to facilitate the release of cargo during these days. So I am asking all importers to please avail of our weekend service to solve the congestion problem at the POM,” Gatchalian said.

Aduana Truckers Association president Mary Zapata and Association of International Shipping Lines general manager Max Cruz welcomed the government officials’ suggestions and expressed hope that the new measures would solve the congestion problem at the POM and the MICP.

Maritime Industry Authority deputy administrator Butch Arceo said his office is sensitive to the problems of the two major ports and is always ready to help solve these port concerns.