LTFRB extends application for trucks for hire's PA

MANILA, Philippines - The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) will accept new applications of trucks for hire that are using the Port of Manila to extend their provisional authorities (PA) valid until Jan. 15, 2015.

 

LTFRB chairman Winston Ginez said this move is in anticipation of the increase in the volume of cargoes expected to arrive at the Port of Manila and other ports in the country during the holiday season.

 

Ginez said the Board has been directed during a Cabinet cluster meeting to extend the PA application to be able 5,000 truck port users of the existing 12,000 trucks that are currently used for port-related operations to meet and apply for the franchise requirements.

 

"After a careful study of the port situation and consideration of the plight of truck port users as well as the possible economic impact to our local agri-business sector and consumers, we will comply with the directive of the Cabinet Cluster,” he said.

 

According to the House of Representatives Joint Committees on Transportation and Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), congestion at the Port of Manila was exacerbated by a truck ban imposed in the City of Manila earlier this year, costing the country about P450 billion in lost revenues from February to July 2014 alone.

 

Since the truck ban was lifted, goods movement into and from the ports have increased by as much as 40 percent. However, with still a high volume of shipments that need to be cleared from the port, congestion remains a problem.  

 

Meanwhile, the move to extend the PA application is a welcome development to business leaders.

 

"The lack of cargo trucks will cause massive problems for consumers and businessmen; especially now that we have a backlog of more than 20 ships queued for berthing at the Port of Manila," said George Chua, president of the Federation of Philippine Industries.

 

“At this point, any plan that can help get precious goods in and out of country and help sustain the country’s fast-growing economy is welcome," he added.