Truckers’ group avails itself of terminal booking system

MANILA, Philippines - A group of truckers might have found a way to get around the truck ban by availing itself of the Terminal Booking System (TABS).

According to Pepito Dino, president of the Confederation of Truckers Association of the Philippines (CTAP), members would be using TABS, which would not affect the reimplementation of the truck ban in Metro Manila.

TABS is a web-based system where exporters, importers, customs brokers and cargo owners could pick time slots for the delivery and withdrawal of their cargoes.

The TABS system was among solutions sought to resolve the road congestion in Metro Manila since the deliveries and pullouts of trucks would be spread throughout the day, thus reducing the queues and minimize the number of trucks on the road at any one time.

Dino stressed the CTAP would follow the government’s truck ban regulations under Resolution No. 3 of the Metro Manila Council (MMC)’s Special Traffic Committee titled “Reimplementing the Uniform Truck Regulation in Metro Manila Except Northern Truck Route” that took effect last Tuesday.

Harmonious relationship

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Francis Tolentino noted that as the traffic management function of the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) is now expanding away from EDSA, Metro Manila mayors are calling for a more harmonious relationship with the agency. 

Tolentino attended a meeting yesterday at the Manila Yacht Club between the HPG and the MMC to thresh out plans to resolve traffic woes in Metro Manila.

The MMC is the policy-making arm of the MMDA.

Tolentino said mayors of Caloocan, Quezon City, Mandaluyong, Pasay, Makati and Pasig have requested for better coordination as traffic flow to and from EDSA to streets is covered by their respective jurisdictions.

Mandaluyong Mayor Benhur Abalos, who also attended the meeting, congratulated HPG director Chief Supt. Arnold Gunnacao for helping ease the heavy traffic volume on EDSA.

Abalos is also calling for a better working relationship with the HPG, especially in dealing with traffic that enter secondary roads from EDSA. – With Mike Frialde