Brokers, truckers extend Manila ports protest to Day 2

• The Practicing Customs Brokers Association of the Philippines Inc. extends its protest to October 6, claiming roads to Manila International Container Port were “80% clear of trucks” on day one

• Five other trucking groups start a voluntary trucking holiday on October 6 over six issues, led by empty container returns

• The Bureau of Customs appeals for calm and dialogue as it drafts rules to ease empty container congestion

Customs brokers and truckers are stepping up protests at the Manila International Container Port (MICP) over a pileup of empty containers and other unresolved port and trucking issues.

The Practicing Customs Brokers Association of the Philippines Inc. (PCBAPI) is extending its “digital protest and rest day” to a second day on October 6, claiming the first day on October 5 was a success. On the same day, four trucking and logistics groups began a trucking holiday.

Brokers claim roads to MICP were “80% clear”.

PCBAPI said that from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on October 5, the road it monitored leading to MICP was “80% clear of trucks.” It also shared a member’s screenshot showing the MICP yard clear of trucks for import hauling.

These observations come from the group’s own monitoring, and PortCalls could not immediately verify them.

Why the protest

Under the digital protest, customs brokers are asked to hold off on:

• Gatepasses
• Terminal Appointment Booking System (TABS) bookings
• Truck manifests
• Hauling

The protest will continue until foreign shipping lines guarantee the immediate evacuation of empty containers.

PCBAPI said the protest is not meant to interrupt trade. It argued that foreign shipping lines are the ones disrupting the port, claiming about 85% of the port is “flooded” with empty containers and almost a thousand containers are waiting for acceptance at various container yards.

The group wants foreign shipping lines to move out their empty containers to free up yard space and to provide adequate container yard capacity.

PCBAPI also supports a provision in the Bureau of Customs’ (BOC) proposed joint administrative order (JAO) that would penalize a shipping line if its container yard allocation exceeds 30%.

READ: Port groups plan “rest day” Oct 5, trucking holiday Oct 6

Other trucking groups launch trucking holiday

The trucking holiday starting October 6 is being held by:

• Confederation of Truckers Association of the Philippines (CTAP)
• Aduana Business Club Inc.
• Inland Haulers and Truckers Association
• Port Allied Logistics Group

CTAP president Mary Zapata on October 6 added the Haulers and Truckers Association in the Watersouth Inc. to the list of participants. Joining is voluntary for members.

The groups said unresolved operational and regulatory problems are causing delays, raising costs, shrinking trucking capacity, and disrupting cargo movement.

The coalition said the protest “is a collective call for immediate dialogue, concrete solutions, and coordinated action from government agencies, international shipping lines, port operators, and local government units [LGUs].” The groups added they remain open to talks with all concerned parties.

Six issues truckers want fixed

1. Empty container returns. Too few return slots are delaying trucks, raising operating costs, and worsening port congestion. The groups want shipping lines to provide enough return facilities and slots, plus workable alternatives when designated facilities are unavailable.
2. Unregulated destination charges. Destination, handling, documentation, and other charges imposed by international shipping lines must be transparent, properly documented, and reasonable. The groups want immediate industry consultation “to prevent unjustified and unexpected costs.”
3. Truck-trailer driver shortage. Too few qualified articulated-truck drivers is limiting cargo capacity and port operations. The groups urge the Land Transportation Office to address licensing, training, testing, and certification concerns so more drivers qualify, while keeping road-safety standards.
4. PAMI coverage for tractor-heads. CTAP wants tractor-heads removed from the passenger accident management insurance (PAMI) requirement for passenger vehicles, since they carry cargo, not passengers. The groups urge the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board to review the rule.
5. Truck bans and pass-through fees. More truck bans, route restrictions, and pass-through fees are adding costs and delays. The groups want uniform, coordinated truck rules along key port corridors. In 2023, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued Executive Order No. 41, which bars LGUs from collecting pass-through fees on national roads and other roads they did not fund.
6. TABS problems at Manila international terminals. Recurring issues with appointment availability, truck access, waiting times, and turnaround must be fixed immediately to keep cargo moving.

The Haulers and Truckers Association in the Watersouth Inc. has asked its members to wear black and put protest tarpaulins on their trucks from October 5 to 9 to show unity and protest the trucking industry’s recurring problems.

The Alliance of Concerned Truck Owners and Organizations is not taking part in the boycott.

BOC appeals for calm

BOC earlier urged stakeholders to pursue “constructive engagement and prudent action” as it acknowledged concerns over empty container congestion and limited depot capacity.

In a statement on October 5, BOC said it recognizes the operational challenges these issues pose to truckers, customs brokers, importers, and exporters.

“BOC wishes to emphasize that it has been in constant discussions and coordination with concerned stakeholders and industry partners to better understand these challenges and identify practical measures to address them,” the bureau said.

While respecting stakeholders’ right to voice their views and push for solutions, BOC said it “appeals for calm, constructive engagement and prudent action.”

“Any disruption to port operations may further aggravate existing challenges, affecting cargo movement, supply chains, and the broader trading community,” it added.

BOC urged all parties to talk through their local Customs Industry Consultative and Advisory Councils (CICACs) and regular stakeholder meetings. CICAC is BOC’s consultative body with industry groups, which seeks their support for the bureau’s reform agenda and helps address existing and potential customs and industry issues. There is a central CICAC and one in every BOC collection district.

“Through open communication, cooperation, and constructive engagement, stakeholders can work together toward practical solutions while ensuring the uninterrupted operation of ports and the unhampered flow of trade and commerce,” BOC said.

BOC is also drafting a JAO to address port congestion, high logistics costs, and the long-standing problem of inefficient empty container returns.

What this means for shippers and logistics firms

• Expect slower cargo pickups at MICP. With brokers holding off on gatepasses, TABS bookings, and hauling, and some truckers joining the holiday, import pickups and container returns may take longer while the protests last.
• Check with your broker and trucker. Since joining is voluntary, service levels may vary by provider. Confirm schedules and truck availability before booking.
• Watch for the BOC’s JAO. The draft order could change how shipping lines handle empty container returns and yard space, including a possible penalty when yard allocation goes above 30%.
• Costs remain a key issue. The protests put destination charges, pass-through fees, and truck bans in the spotlight, and any changes could affect your landed costs.