By Ferdinand Patinio/Philippine News Agency
MANILA — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Tuesday said it is already coordinating with the Manila City government in managing traffic particularly in Port Area and North Harbor ahead of the anticipated rise of cargo arrivals for the “ber” months.
Customs Assistant Commissioner Vincent Philip Maronilla noted that the coordination is to ensure Manila Mayor Isko Moreno that the BOC will be his partner in implementing changes in the City.
“The Bureau will be coordinating closely with the local government of Manila to ensure that the impending increase in the volume of imports due to the incoming ‘ber’ months will not significantly affect the traffic situation in the Manila port areas,” he said in an interview.
Maronilla added that they will set up a meeting with the mayor to discuss matters they would like to present before the local chief executive.
“Yes (coordinating with city hall to meet with Moreno), we are just in the process of also re-evaluating our operations so we can make the most out of the meeting,” he said.
Asked on how bad is the traffic outside the ports, he said: “[The] Level of traffic increased because of increased activity at the ports. It’s a little bit heavy but still manageable.”
The two major seaports located in Manila are Port of Manila (POM) and the Manila International Container Ports (MICP).
Inside and outside of ports are congested during “ber” months since the volume of cargoes increases with the holiday season.
Moreno earlier warned village chiefs in areas along the R10 road to stop the illegal parking racket where they allegedly collect PHP1,000 a day from each truck parked on the thoroughfare.
During his first days in office, Moreno also ordered the clearing of streets of various obstructions, particularly illegal vendors in Divisoria, Avenida, Carriedo, and Blumentritt.
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