MNTC rejects anti-overloading moratorium

The Manila North Tollways Corp. (MNTC) that operates the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), rejected yesterday the proposed moratorium on the implementation of anti-overloading law on cargo trucks that are using the NLEX despite the protest of truck owners.

MNTC Director for Corporate Communications Marlene Ochoa said during the weekly radio program "Para Sa Iyo … Bayan" hosted by Vice President Noli De Castro that the MNTC is opposed to a moratorium even as a temporary solution.

She said the inter-agency, composed of the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), is looking at ways to help truckers such as asking them to reconfigure, refleet or redesign their trucks.

According to Ochoa, the MNTC informed the truckers when they took over on Feb. 10, 2005 that they would implement the anti-overloading law but the DOTC asked them to implement a two-month moratorium.

Ochoa explained that MNTC set up portable weighing scales that are positioned in different segments of the NLEX to check on overloaded cargo trucks. Overloaded trucks are prevented from using the NLEX and are escorted to the nearest exit in Bocaue, Bulacan.

Violators are issued receipts and their drivers’ licenses are confiscated by the MNTC that is deputized by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) as part of the implementation of Republic Act 8794.

Alliance of Concerned Truck Owners president Ricky Papa said their organization proposed a moratorium on the implementation of the anti-overloading law because of defects in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR).

Papa explained that the solution should begin at ports where the trucks should be checked if they have overweight cargo before they are allowed to leave.

He said the organization is opposed to the inter-agency’s proposal to redesign their vehicles.

"We met with President Arroyo and she instructed the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) to look into the problem. Unfortunately, the PPA is singing a different tune, which is retooling or redesigning," he said.

PPA General Manager Oscar Sevilla said the inter-agency will meet on Wednesday and try to solve the problem.