The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) has commended government agencies for their swift response to Manila port congestion, following efforts to bring together public and private-sector stakeholders to address logistical challenges ahead of the Christmas peak season.
The initiative aims to improve cargo movement, free up terminal capacity, and minimize delays affecting businesses, importers, exporters, and consumers.
During a meeting convened by Cabinet Secretary Benhur Abalos, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) engaged with companies holding aging containers, truckers, and port operators. The discussions resulted in a commitment to remove an additional 1,000 aging containers from Manila ports within two weeks, on top of regular daily container movements.
Stakeholders also agreed to reposition empty containers to Subic and Batangas, where sweeper vessels can collect them. This measure is expected to reduce congestion and create additional space at Manila's port terminals and container facilities.
PCCI President Perry Ferrer welcomed the government's immediate response, emphasizing the importance of cooperation between public institutions and private businesses in addressing supply chain challenges.
Extended Customs Examination Hours to Speed Up Cargo Movement
As part of the congestion-reduction measures, the BOC directed the Port of Manila, Manila International Container Port, and other affected collection districts to extend cargo examination operations at Designated Examination Areas until midnight, effective immediately.
Previously, regular examination hours ended at 5:00 p.m. The extension addresses concerns from truckers who often arrive at ports around 7:00 p.m., after standard examination services have closed.
The new schedule is intended to align customs operations with trucking schedules and provide more opportunities for cargo processing. District collectors have also been instructed to coordinate with relevant regulatory agencies to ensure personnel availability during extended hours.
Sustaining Public-Private Sector Cooperation
The latest developments build on earlier discussions involving the Department of Trade and Industry's Logistics and Supply Chain Group, BOC, shipping lines, port operators, customs brokers, truckers, and importers and exporters.
Beyond immediate container clearing, PCCI is supporting measures to transfer eligible overstaying cargo to off-dock facilities, expand suitable storage capacity, and review storage charges to encourage faster cargo withdrawal.
The Chamber is also helping mobilize its members and industry partners to ensure commitments translate into measurable improvements.
Ferrer described the removal of 1,000 additional containers as an encouraging first step, stressing that sustained coordination will be essential to maintaining progress.
With the Christmas season approaching, the government's response and continued private-sector participation could play an important role in improving logistics efficiency, reducing supply chain disruptions, and ensuring the timely movement of goods across the country.
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