‘Finally’: Exporters cheer Manila port clearing
An umbrella group of Philippine exporters expects smoother cargo movement at Manila’s ports following a government commitment to clear 1,000 aging containers ahead of the holiday shipping rush.
The clearing operation is expected to be completed within two weeks and will involve repositioning empty containers to Subic and Batangas to help free up space at Manila’s congested ports and container facilities.
Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr., president of the Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. (Philexport), said the clearing effort could help exporters avoid further shipment delays as the Christmas shipping peak approaches.
“Finally, the issue is being addressed [holistically],” Ortiz-Luis said in a statement. “We appreciate the government’s swift response and the concrete commitments secured to address port congestion.”
The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the country’s largest business group, also welcomed the agreement, which it said was an “encouraging first step.”
But Ortiz-Luis emphasized that stopgap solutions to port congestion during peak shipping seasons should not become the norm.
“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,” the Philexport president said.
The clearing commitment was secured during a meeting convened by Cabinet Secretary Benhur Abalos with government agencies, port operators, truckers and companies with aging containers.
According to Philexport, the 1,000 containers will be moved on top of regular daily container movements.
Extended operations
To support the clearing effort, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) has ordered the Port of Manila, Manila International Container Port and other congestion-affected collection districts to extend cargo examinations until midnight.
Previously, examinations at designated examination areas ended at 5 p.m., leaving truckers arriving later in the evening unable to have their cargo examined until the following operating period.
Philexport welcomed the adjustment, although it stressed that customs personnel and supporting services must remain available throughout the extended hours.
Beyond these measures, Ortiz-Luis called for sustained coordination among shipping lines, truckers, port operators and government agencies.
“Port efficiency is directly linked to export competitiveness. Our exporters need reliable access to containers, timely cargo movement, and predictable shipping schedules,” he said.
“We welcome these immediate interventions, but sustained implementation will be essential to ensure that the improvements are felt across the logistics chain,” he added.
