MANILA — The Bureau of Customs (BoC) has warned that work stoppages by some customs brokers and truckers could aggravate existing port congestion and disrupt cargo movement, as several industry groups began a voluntary “rest day” at Manila ports on Monday.

The BoC said it was aware of concerns over empty-container congestion and limited depot capacity, issues that have affected truckers, customs brokers, importers, and exporters. Manila’s ports handle the bulk of the Philippines’ containerized trade, making them a chokepoint for goods moving in and out of the country.

“Any disruption to port operations may further aggravate existing challenges, affecting cargo movement, supply chains, and the broader trading community,” the agency said in a statement issued on Monday.

Some customs brokers, port truckers, and allied groups launched a planned week-long voluntary “digital protest and rest day” on Oct. 5 to press their grievances over difficulties in returning empty containers and inadequate depot capacity. In container shipping, empties generally have to be hauled back to carrier depots before they can be reused for export loads, so when depot space tightens, return trips stall, trucks sit idle, and boxes accumulate in and around the terminals.

Under the action, participating brokers and importers were urged to limit import-processing transactions, while truckers were asked not to accept gate passes, book truck manifests, or dispatch trucks for affected shipments. Organizers stressed that the move was not a mass protest and did not involve shutting down the ports.

CitizenWatch Co-Convenor Christopher “Kit” Belmonte acknowledged the problems raised by truckers but cautioned that a port stoppage could disrupt deliveries of essential goods.

“A ‘port holiday’ create another burden for ordinary Filipinos who are already having a hard time. It will only disrupt the movement of food, medicine, fuel, and other essential goods,” he said.

“What is needed is action — not a stoppage of the flow of goods,” he added.

Konsyumer At Mamamayan Convenor Louie Montemar, for his part, said port operations should continue while stakeholders work to address the congestion problems.

The BoC said it has been coordinating with stakeholders and urged affected groups to raise their concerns through the local Customs Industry Consultative and Advisory Councils. With the rest day slated to run through the week, movement through those councils — and any further statements from the BoC or the groups behind the action — will be the markers to watch as Manila’s ports work through the existing congestion. — Justine Irish D. Tabile, BusinessWorld

Source: BusinessWorld