Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — The Philippine Ports Authority addressed calls to regulate shipping charges on Wednesday (February 3).
There will be little to no changes in the prices of goods despite a series of dips in pump prices. The business sector blames the transport sector, which refuses to cut rates.
However, truckers will soon benefit from a faster movement of goods, through a system that set schedules in bringing out cargo from ports.
Those joining the Terminal Appointment Booking System (TABS), an online booking system, will be exempted from the truck ban.
According to its website, TABS is a collaborative solution from the Manila government and supply-chain stakeholders, in partnership with an Australian firm, in response to the truck ban and road policies that were introduced by the local government in 2014 to combat the congestion in Manila.
Port authorities hope this will solve traffic congestion during truckers’ window hours, and that truckers will have a faster turnaround time.
Previously, truckers refused to lower their charges because of cheap fuel. They said that traffic jams in Metro Manila also add to their expenses.
For their part, food manufacturers said they cannot cut prices of some basic goods, because transport charges have not moved.
The Trade Department says it will hold more talks with concerned groups so that the impact of low fuel prices would trickle down to consumers.
