Erap lifts truck ban in Manila indefinitely

Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada has lifted the truck ban in the city indefinitely to help ease congestion in the ports.

In a press conference on Saturday morning, September 13, Estrada said the lifting of the truck ban is effective 12 noon today, pursuant to Executive Order No. 67.

Estrada said the city decided to lift the truck ban to give the national government the free hand to address congestion in the ports.

“We understand that the national government is confident that it can solve the problem of the port congestion within the few months in time for the holiday season,” he told reporters.

The truck ban in Manila has been blamed by some sectors for the port congestion.

Estrada, however, pointed out that port congestion has been present even before they implemented the truck ban.

“Matagal na pong may port congestion. Hindi po truck ban ang sanhi nito. Mabuti nga po ngayon ay alam na ng taongbayan ang problema ng port congestion,” he said.

He also noted that residents of Manila have benefited from the truck ban, as it eased traffic in the city.