Port congestion problem not yet over –traders

Businessmen and government officials have opposing views regarding the port congestion in Manila, with the former belying the latter’s claim that the problem has already been fully addressed.

“The questions is, is it still a problem? Not anymore. We’re moving a lot of cargo than before,” said Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras in a report on “24 Oras” Wednesday night.

Aduana Business Club president Mary Zapata, however, disagreed.

“Kung kami ‘di na pumipila simula Coastal [Road] at madali na kami makapag-soli ng empty container, madali na kami makalabas at wala nang ganito karaming nakapilang barko sa breakwater, baka sumang-ayon kami sa kanila na wala ng port congestion,” she said in the same report.

Extortion

Both parties, meanwhile, agreed on the same thing: Unscrupulous individuals have taken advantage of the congestion to make a quick buck in the form of various fees.

“May terminal handling charge, may port congestion surcharge, may container imbalance, may emergency recovery, may container deposit,” said Zapata.

Zapata also added that due to extortion, they have to pay as much as P5,000 for a space for their container vans.

For his part, Almendras noted that since port operations are already fully automated, some brokers have devised ways to be able to ask money from importers.

“Ang daming nagsasamantala [sa] sitwasyon. Somebody told me 25 years na itong mga sindikatong ito [at] hindi mo maso-solve ‘to in one day and I agree it will take time,” he said.

Almendras said those who have profited through the port congestion wanted to continue earning from the additional charges.

“Ang problema ko dito may mga tao na kumita nung tag-hirap na ayaw bumitaw at gusto nila to continue to charge as much… we will intervene if we have to,” the Cabinet official said.

Add’l cost

Association of International Shipping Lines president Patrick Ronas in a phone patch interview said: “May mga naghihintay pa rin na inaabot ng ilang araw bago makapag berth sila. Pag naghihintay ‘yan, additional cost to the shipping line.”

According to Aduana, Philippine Ports Authority and port operators also profit through a storage fee charge if container vans stay in ports for an extended period.

European Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines Michael Raeuber, at a press briefing Wednesday, suggested that 24/7 express lanes dedicated only for trucks should be established to allow a continuous supply distribution. —Kathryn Mae Tubadeza/KBK, GMA News