MMDA exempts bread deliveries from truck ban

The Metro Manila Development Authority on Tuesday exempted bread deliveries from its truck ban, which takes effect on Wednesday when the Asian Development Bank starts its four-day Board of Governors meeting.   "[MMDA] chairman [Francis] Tolentino issued… an exemption for bread deliveries from the temporary modified truck ban during the ADB," said Simplicio Umali Jr., president of the Philippine Baking Industry Group (PhilBaking).   "Bread deliveries will now continue," noted Umali, the general manager of Laguna-based Gardenia Bakeries Philippines Inc.   Early this week, MMDA imposed a truck ban within Metro Manila to decongest traffic in the cities’ thoroughfares during the ADB meeting. About 4,000 delegates are expected to attend the annual event that is held in different member countries of the bank.    Truck deliveries from 4 a.m. to 9 p.m. have been temporarily banned, except for deliveries of perishable goods such as fruits, vegetables, seafood, and ice, "provided they will not pass through the routes to be used by ADB delegates," according to the MMDA.   However, bakers appealed to Tolentino on Monday saying that bread is also a perishable good that should be delivered to stores, supermarkets and grocery stores on time just like any other perishable good. —RRD/VS, GMA News