Mandaue firms air APEC truck ban concerns

CEBU, Philippines - Several companies in Mandaue City aired out their concerns regarding the truck ban implemented by the city government to decongest the ceremonial route of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation delegates.

The trucks are banned from the APEC ceremonial routes from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. starting August 2 until September 5.

According to Glenn Antigua, head of the Traffic Enforcement Agency of Mandaue, a number of companies have called their office because of the belief that the ban was imposed in all roads of the city.

Members of the business sector, including the APL, San Miguel Yamamura Packaging Corp.-Cebu, Coca-Cola Bottlers Philippines Inc., and Petron, claimed the truck ban affected the operations of their businesses, said Antigua.

Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Donato Busa said they are particularly more concerned about the transactions done at night.

Busa said because of the ban, they need to catch up with their shipments in the port areas and night shift schedules.

However, Antigua clarified that trucks, vans, and trailers with six wheels and up can still use the city's roads, except those used as APEC ceremonial routes, particularly the Plaridel Street.

He also said there are still alternate routes where truckers may use, including the M. Logarta Street at the back of Cebu International Convention Center.

He urged the truckers to travel along M.C. Briones Street instead to decongest the traffic flow on Plaridel Street.

"Katong trucks nga wala'y transaction sa Plaridel, adto na lang sa M.C. Briones," Antigua said.

However, Antigua said the vehicles affected by the truck ban can still cross the roads affected by the ceremonial route.

"Mo-cross lang. Anyway, ang pag-cross dali ra man gud," Antigua said.

Antigua also said the truck ban has so far helped in easing the traffic on Plaridel Street. — Jave A. Matugas (FREEMAN)