The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) has welcomed the government’s quick response to Manila’s port congestion, following efforts by the business group to bring government agencies and private-sector stakeholders together to address the problem ahead of the Christmas season.
The move comes after businesses raised concerns over the growing number of containers at Manila’s ports and called for immediate steps to speed up cargo movement.
At a meeting convened by Cabinet Secretary Benhur Abalos, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) met with companies holding aging containers, truckers and port operators. Participants committed to clearing an additional 1,000 aging containers within two weeks, on top of the ports’ regular daily operations.
Stakeholders also agreed to move empty containers to Subic and Batangas, where sweeper vessels can collect them. The move is expected to free up much-needed space at Manila’s ports and container yards.
PCCI President Perry Ferrer welcomed the government’s response, saying the latest commitments show that discussions between the public and private sectors are beginning to translate into concrete action.
The effort follows an earlier PCCI-led meeting with the Department of Trade and Industry’s Logistics and Supply Chain Group, the BOC, port and container-yard operators, shipping lines, truckers, customs brokers, and importers and exporters.
Ferrer described the commitment to move an additional 1,000 containers within two weeks as an encouraging first step.
The BOC has also directed major ports experiencing congestion to extend cargo examination hours at their Designated Examination Areas until midnight, effective immediately. Previously, examinations generally ended at 5 p.m.
The extended hours are intended to address complaints from truckers who often arrive at examination areas after the regular operating schedule has ended.
PCCI said it would continue working with shipping lines and other industry players to address the buildup of empty containers and improve their removal from port facilities.
Other measures under discussion include finding additional storage areas, speeding up the transfer of eligible overstaying cargo, and reviewing storage charges to encourage the timely withdrawal of containers.
The chamber stressed that while the immediate measures are a welcome development, sustained cooperation among government agencies and industry stakeholders will be needed to prevent congestion from recurring and improve the country’s overall logistics system.
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