Manila called to account for cargo delays
The Port of Manila has been called to account for slow movement and long delays in releasing cargo which is apparently causing the economy billions of lost pesos each day.
Philippines Bureau of Customs (BOC) officials have been sent to the port to investigate the issue as part of the upcoming inquiry by the Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship.
Senator Aquilino Koko Pimentel III, who chairs the committee, confirmed his office has been receiving “mounting complaints” from various parties at the port including importers and truckers denouncing “worsening congestion.”
Crippling delays
An article by The Business Mirror cited reports that vessels arriving at the port now take around four to five days to berth and then another two to three days to unload, so in total up to ten days to unload a container.
Plus, consumer and OFQ groups say it takes a much longer time than before to release balikbayan boxes.
Senator Pimentel said he is is keen to hear of any other complaints from stakeholders as part of the inquiry.
He warned that unless the problem can be addresses, volumes may have to be scaled down as a result of the inefficiencies in the run up to Christmas.
Some years ago, operators at the port extended their opening hours to help clear previous cargo backlogs, but Pimentel warned that a more long term solution is needed now, including dedicated roads linking the port to the country’s expressways.
Port Strategy has approached the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) for comment.
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