Truckers continue ‘rest day’ amid ongoing protest vs port policy

Truckers continued its “rest day” on Wednesday to protest the policies, including the higher fines and different truck ban schedule, being imposed by the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA).

In a report on GTV's Balitanghali, Super Radyo dzBB's Luisito Santos quoted Confederation of Truckers Association of the Philippines (CTAP) general manager Ryan Esponilla as saying that government agencies have yet to address their grievances concerning the port’s policies.

Esponilla said among the group’s grievances were the higher fines on truck drivers who do not show up or arrive too early at the ports and the different schedules of truck ban.

CTAP earlier held the protest caravan in the offices of the PPA and International Container Terminal Service Inc. up to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) in Quezon City.

Meanwhile, several truck drivers were not aware of the ongoing protest.

“Hindi po namin alam na may truck holiday po eh, wala rin pong abiso sa amin 'yung company kaya po nabiyahe kami pero kung may abiso po sa amin di po kami bibiyahe,” Leonardo Reyes, a truck driver, said in Darlene Cay’s “Balitanghali” report.

(We didn't know there was a truck holiday, the company didn't notify us either, so we traveled, but if we knew, we wouldn't travel.)

“Wala po akong balita, hindi ko po na ano kung holiday po (I don't know that there is a truck holiday),” another truck driver Eric Vergara said.

However, other truck drivers aired their grievances that led to the ongoing protest.

“Dito walang problema sa amin sa lokal eh, magkamali ka lang sa loob katulad ng mga gate pass namin may mga penalty na antimano,” truck driver Joel Resureccion said.

(There is no problem with us locally, however, just one mistake inside like our gate pass, you will be penalized.)

The CTAP members said they are scheduled for a meeting on Wednesday to assess the effects of the ongoing truck holiday.

GMA News Online sought comment from the PPA on the issue but has yet to receive a reply as of posting time.

Meanwhile, the group Haulers and Truckers Association expressed support for the PPA’s new policy.

The group did not join the protest, saying that it would be better if it will be discussed in court to resolve the issues.

The PPA implemented a “no permit, no service” policy for all truckers in ports nationwide to prevent colorum operators starting November 2.

The agency, however, noted that several truckers still refuse to comply or get operating permits for still unknown reasons.—Richa Alyssa Noriega/AOL, GMA News