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MMDA bares truck ban details for May 2–5 ADB meet


From May 2 to 5, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority will implement a daytime truck ban in Metro Manila from 4 a.m. to 9 p.m., for the 45th Asian Development Bank meeting. The MMDA, in a news release on its website, said the schedule for the temporary modified truck ban was arrived at after talks with truckers' associations. "Based on initial agreements with various truckers associations, the temporary modified truck ban hours are 4 a.m. to 9 p.m., from May 2 to 5," it said. Exempted are trucks that haul perishable goods such as fruits, vegetables, seafood, and ice, "provided they will not pass through the routes to be used by ADB delegates." MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said the traffic scheme seeks to decongest Metro Manila's major thoroughfares during the four-day international conference. Once the ADB meet is over, the regular truck ban hours,  6 to 9 a.m. and 5 to 9 p.m. except Sundays and holidays, will resume starting May 6. The daytime truck ban covers all large cargo and delivery trucks. Tolentino promised to coordinate with the local governments of Pasig, Quezon and Taguig Cities and Pateros town to extend leniency and designate parking areas for trucks that would be affected by the modified ban. Increased mobile patrol units in Manila The MMDA said Manila, the venue for most of the ADB activities, pledged to increase mobile patrol units to deter criminals who might attack the trucks with precious cargo. It promised to coordinate with the Philippine Ports Authority and the banking sector to let the truckers maximize operations and e-banking transactions for the days leading up to May 2 to 5. The 45th ADB Board of Governors Annual Meeting will be held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC). Some 4,000 local and foreign delegates, finance ministers, central bank governors, representatives from international organizations and private sector are expected to participate in the event. "The country stands to gain a lot in economic terms if the hosting of this event proves to be a success, that's why we are doing our best to make the delegates' stay in the country comfortable and fruitful," Tolentino said. Truck operators Cargo truck operators expressed support for the modified truck ban but asked the MMDA to help secure their trucks and precious cargo against criminals such as hijackers, the MMDA said. It added truckers' associations said their trucks will have to be parked somewhere while the daytime truck ban is in effect, making them vulnerable to hijackers and robbers. Tolentino said he will coordinate the matter with the Philippine National Police (PNP). He also agreed to provide leniency to parked trucks as long as they do not obstruct traffic flow. "We will extend to them all necessary assistance while the temporary modified truck ban is being implemented," he said. Tolentino thanked the leaders and representatives of the Supply Chain Management Association of the Philippines, the Philippine Ports Authority, the Integrated North harbor Truckers Association, the Asia Cargo Container Line, Inc., the Philppine Liners Shipping Association, the Purt Users Confederation, the Philippine Automotive Federation, Inc., Air 21, the Confederation of truckers Association of the Philippines for their cooperation. — LBG, GMA News

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