Govt, truckers agree on 24-hr express truck lane

Truckers, stakeholders, and the government have agreed on a 24-hour express lane for cargo trucks going in an out of the Port of Manila, Malacañang announced Thursday.

In a statement, Presidential Communications Operations Office head Herminio Coloma Jr. said the agreement was made between the city of Manila and other local officials, port authorities, truckers’ representatives and the business community in order resolve the truck ban issue.  

"As agreed upon in the meeting, there will be a 24-hour express lane for cargo trucks to facilitate movement into and out of the Port of Manila along Roxas Boulevard through the cities of Manila, Pasay and Parañaque," he said.

The agreement was reached during a meeting initiated by Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras earlier in the day, Coloma said.

The Palace official said all concerned parties have also agreed to work together to reduce the backlog in deliveries.  

"Government [therefore] is appealing to consignees of shipments to accept deliveries even during night time in order to clear the backlog.  We view the resolution of this ticklish issue as being essential to ensuring the smooth flow of goods that will support economic growth and progress," he said. — Kimberly Jane Tan/KBK, GMA News