Governor Pamela Baricuatro is set to issue an executive order to standardize truck ban hours across the entire province of Cebu. The move aims to address what business leaders have described as a "logistical chokehold" that disrupts the flow of cargo.
Unified Schedule for LGUs
Baricuatro stated that the order will establish a uniform truck ban schedule for all local government units (LGUs) under the provincial government. She also urged the "tri-cities" of Cebu, Mandaue, and Lapu-Lapu to adopt this unified system.
The initiative follows a meeting held at the Capitol on Thursday, April 30, attended by traffic managers from Danao City to Carcar City, along with local officials and representatives from the logistics sector.
Business Leaders Sound the Alarm
During the meeting, business leaders warned that high fuel prices and varying truck ban rules across Metro Cebu have disrupted the transportation of goods.
"The current uncoordinated bans across cities threaten supply chains, raise inflation, and hurt Cebu's competitiveness as an investment hub," said Mark Anthony Ynoc, former president of the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Ynoc added that inconsistent regulations cost businesses billions of pesos, forcing some to lay off workers or reduce their vehicle operations. He explained that due to differing schedules in Cebu City, Mandaue City, Lapu-Lapu City, Talisay City, and Consolacion, trucks are forced to stop for six to ten hours each day when crossing city borders.
These delays result in late deliveries, higher fuel consumption, fines, and accelerated vehicle wear and tear. The situation also worsens traffic congestion, as companies are compelled to deploy more trucks to meet demand.
"Fragmented truck bans are no longer sustainable. A unified lifting of the truck ban, followed by smart, coordinated policies, will lower the cost of goods, protect jobs, and most of all, keep Cebu as the economic engine of the Visayas," Ynoc emphasized.
Next Steps
Baricuatro revealed that the province is already working to harmonize ban hours, fines, and exemptions to resolve logistics bottlenecks. Also present at the meeting were Naga City Mayor Valdemar Chiong and First District Board Member Neneth Reluya.
