P-Noy urges traders, truckers to help solve port congestion

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino asked yesterday businessmen and truckers to transport  cargo even on weekends to help the government resolve port congestion in Manila.

Speaking at the closing of the 40th Philippine Business Conference and Expo at the Manila Hotel, Aquino said heads of various government  agencies have committed to redouble their efforts in the “last two minutes” of their terms to maximize their service to the public, including business and industry.

“I thought it might interest you to know this; since they have signed their contracts, the members of my Cabinet are now duty-bound to be even more receptive to all of you,” he said. “Thus, please feel free to call them anytime.”

Aquino said the issue of port congestion had been a paramount concern since the truck ban in Manila.

“We know just how much it has affected, and can affect, the conduct of business in the country,” he said.

Aquino said Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras, other government agencies, and the private sector have been working hard to deal with the issue.

“One of your resolutions on the matter involves the utilization of the Subic and Batangas ports by shifting container traffic,” he said. “This is a significant part of the strategy we have implemented, with the help of all concerned.”

Aquino said Executive Order 172 has designated these ports as temporary extensions of the Port of Manila in times of congestion and other emergencies.

“Costs were lowered to incentivize importers to shift to those ports,” he said. “I understand a 90-percent discount has been given in terms of port charges so that these two ports are more attractive to shippers.”

Aquino said the Philippine National Police (PNP) has stepped up the campaign against hijackers to ensure the safe passage of cargo.

“On the ground, the police have intensified their presence along our roads and highways, especially in areas identified to be prone to hijacking and carnapping, and this has not been done just recently, but even as far back as about two years ago,” he said.

Aquino said a pass card system will allow official personnel at Anti-Hijacking Control Points along major routes to ensure that truck drivers and their cargo are legitimate, and that they reach their destinations safely.

It will ensure greater efficiency and safety in the conduct of trade, he added.

Aquino said up to 94 percent utilization has been reported in the Port of Batangas this month, compared to its previous rate of only 20 to 25 percent before importers and exporters were encouraged to shift to that port.

Ship calls at Batangas have also increased from two to five ships per week, he added.

Aquino said diverting traffic to Subic and Batangas is only a short-term solution.

“High utilization rates for both may mean that we run the risk of transferring the problem we encountered in the Port of Manila to those very ports,” he said.

“Right now, the more effective solution in addressing the issue of congestion is to continue operations through the weekend.

“In support of this, the Bureau of Customs and the port operators, among others, are open on Saturdays and Sundays to facilitate the movement of cargo. Data from the Philippine Ports Authority, however, show that there are very few individuals and organizations taking advantage of this.” 

Aquino said an average of only 1,100 containers are moved on Sundays.

That represents less than a third of the average number of containers moved on other days of the week, he added.

Aquino said the government can only do so much, as its main purpose is to be an enabler.

“That being the case, solutions require the enabled, in this case the private sector, to reciprocate through active participation,” he said.

Aquino said his administration had shown sincerity and commitment to turn the tide in the Philippines.

During the past four years and three months, reforms in key systems and processes have led to leaks being plugged and resources being maximized, he added.

Aquino said more contractors and investors are showing interest in infrastructure projects and are competing to build.

“Our economy remains strong, with growth at 6.4 percent in the second quarter of this year,” he said.

“Even more good news, the first half of 2014 attracted net foreign direct investments of $3.57 billion, almost 80 percent higher than the FDI recorded in the same period in 2013.

“Manufacturing has rebounded, with 8.8 percent growth in the first half of 2014, and exports are up. All our successes reaffirm these basic truths: integrity works, reform works and the Philippines works.”

Aquino said the “Philippine brand” had recaptured the world’s attention, and that the private sector had played an invaluable role in the resurgence.

“Without the innovation it takes to nurture the growth of businesses, without your support for our reform agenda and without your confidence in the Filipino people, we certainly would not have been able to come so far along the straight path to progress,” he said.

“I know we can make even greater strides, as long as we are able to create deeper, more dynamic, more impactful synergies between industries and government.”

Aquino said resolutions that business groups had turned over to the government were a good example of this.

“In a sense, they represent your sector’s vision of building a more progressive nation,” he said.