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The Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. welcomed actions taken by government agencies to decongest Manila ports
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The group also called for continued collaboration with the private sector to pursue long term reforms to support exporters, strengthen supply chains, and boost Philippine competitiveness
The Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT) welcomed actions taken by government agencies to decongest Manila ports, while also calling for continued collaboration with the private sector to pursue long term reforms to address recurring congration and improve logistics efficiency.
PHILEXPORT president Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr. in a statement thanked Cabinet Secretary Benhur Abalos, the Bureau of Customs (BOC), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and other agencies for “their prompt engagement with the private sector and their commitment to implement practical solutions.”
During a meeting convened by Abalos, PHILEXPORT said stakeholders committed to moving 1,000 aging containers out of Manila ports within two weeks, in addition to regular daily container movements.
READ: 1,000 containers to move from Manila to Subic, Batangas
Other measures also include repositioning empty containers to Subic and Batangas for collection by sweeper vessels, helping free up space in Manila’s port and container facilities.
PHILEXPORT also welcomed BOC’s directive extending cargo examinations schedule at designated examination areas in the Port of Manila, Manila International Container Port, and other congestion-affected collection districts until midnight, from the previous 5:00 p.m. closing time.
PHILEXPORT said the extended examination hours are expected to better accommodate truckers arriving later in the day and improve the utilization of available examination facilities, provided that personnel and supporting services remain available throughout the extended operating period.
“Finally, the issue is being addressed wholistically. We appreciate the government’s swift response and the concrete commitments secured to address port congestion. For exporters, every day of delay can mean additional costs, missed shipping schedules, and potential disruption of delivery commitments to international buyers,” Ortiz-Luis said.
PHILEXPORT expressed optimism that immediate clearing measures will help ease logistics bottlenecks and protect exporters from further shipment delays ahead of the Christmas peak season.
He stressed that easing congestion is particularly urgent as businesses prepare for the Christmas shipping peak, when higher cargo volumes and tighter vessel schedules put additional pressure on ports, container yards, and trucking operations.
“Port efficiency is directly linked to export competitiveness. Our exporters need reliable access to containers, timely cargo movement, and predictable shipping schedules. We welcome these immediate interventions, but sustained implementation will be essential to ensure that the improvements are felt across the logistics chain,” he added.
Ortiz-Luis noted that the latest interventions build on continuing government-private sector consultations involving BOC, DTI, port and container yard operators, shipping lines, truckers, customs brokers, and importers and exporters led by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
“Government and industry are moving in the right direction by translating dialogue into concrete action. We encourage all stakeholders to sustain their cooperation, particularly in evacuating empty containers, facilitating the transfer of eligible overstaying cargo, and improving the use of available port and off-dock facilities,” Ortiz-Luis said.
Long-term reforms
He emphasized though that while immediate clearing measures are necessary, the country must also pursue longer-term reforms to address recurring congestion and improve logistics efficiency.
“We need to move beyond managing congestion every peak season. The objective should be a more efficient, predictable, and resilient port and logistics system that supports Philippine exporters, strengthens our supply chains, and enhances the country’s competitiveness in international markets,” Ortiz-Luis said.
PHILEXPORT reaffirmed its commitment to working with government and industry stakeholders in supporting practical solutions and ensuring that agreed measures translate into measurable improvements in cargo movement and port operations.
