Synchronized truck ban starts - TV report

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Local and Interior Government (DILG) has formally implemented the nationwide truck ban to ease traffic and reduce road accidents during peak hours. According to Undersecretary Brian Yamsuan, the implementation of the synchronized truck ban is aimed at allowing the smooth flow of traffic at major thoroughfares and reduce road mishaps. "Basically the main reason for the implementation of synchronized truck ban is to ease the traffic congestion in the highly urbanized cities all over the country. And at the same time para ma-ease ‘yung traffic mishaps ‘yung mga aksidente na nangyayari sa road," Yasmuan said in an interview with QTV’s Balitanghali. Under the order, all trucks are banned from entering major thoroughfares from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. The truck ban exempts government trucks which include: ambulance, military trucks, fire trucks, and other government trucks transporting materials or goods for a government project. At the same time, the report said, the ban was part of the government's response to various trucking companies who have been requesting for a synchronized truck ban nationwide, as different truck ban hours in various cities hurt their deliveries. The Confederation of Truckers Association of the Philippines, meanwhile, lauded the government’s action. "Gusto namin magkaroon ng synchronized truck ban lalo dito sa Metro Manila, sapagkat ’yung ibang siyudad dito tulad ng Pasig at Taguig nag sisimula ang truck ban ng alas-kwatro. So 'yung iba naman na LGUs katulad ng Manila, Quezon City, Kalookan nag sisimula yan ng alas-singko ng hapon," retired colonel Rodolfo de Ocampo, president of the Confederation of Truckers Groups of the Philippines, said. "Kulang ang oras dahil nababawas ‘yan at napupunta sa truck ban at hindi makakilos ang aming mga truck. Malaking kawalan yan sa pag dedeliver namin," De Ocampo added. However, De Ocampo appealed to the DILG to revise the current ban hours to give them more leeway. The agency, for its part, clarified that the truck ban hours are not yet final, as they are still waiting for the local government officials to submit their recommendations. Due to this, the DILG urged the local government executives to create an ordinance, which will support and strengthen the nationwide truck ban. - Aie Balagtas See, GMANews.TV