Isko on trucks parked along Manila streets: Ia-acetylene ko 'yan

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, who vowed to  address Manila's traffic woes, once again asked operators of trucks that go in and out of the ports to stop the practice of parking along streets.

According to Jun Veneracion's report on Balitanghali on Thursday, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) plans to hold a dialogue with city officials and the Confederation of Truckers Association of the Philippines (CTAP) to address the issue.

Moreno recently threatened to scrap erring vehicles after spotting several parked trucks disrupting busy thoroughfares.

"O di ba, pinaalis nating lahat? Meron akong nakitang tatlo. Siguro in a few hours, meron akong ipakikilo. Remember, I made a promise: I-a-acetelyn ko 'yan," he said.

According to the report, trucks large enough to take up an entire lane were seen parked along Road 10 where several vulcanizing shops were located.

Some were even parked near the barangay hall of Barangay 110 Zone 9, right in front of a large mural of Mayor Moreno.

"Pinagsasabihan ko naman sila eh, sabi ko bawal parada, pati double," the tanod, Bonifacio Pisalbon, said.

According to CTAP chairman Ruperto Bayocot, truckers opt to park in these areas as they wait for their shipments at the port because it was cheaper than going to their garages outside Metro Manila.

"Hindi ho libre may kanya-kanya hong suki yan. Hindi ho naman sila dapat magtagal diyan kung wala hong kausap," he added, referring to certain traffic enforcers and local officials.

The BOC said the volume of trucks is only expected to get higher later in the year.

"Dahil nga may increase in volume 'yan eh ngayong coming 'ber' months, so I think we need to provide that information to the good mayor," Customs Assistant Commissioner Jet Maronilla said.

To address the issue, Moreno said he would be open for a dialogue with stakeholders. —Margaret Claire Layug/KBK, GMA News