Truckers in Mandaue City are not calling for a complete lifting of the truck ban but are pushing for a synchronized schedule with neighboring local government units (LGUs) to reduce delivery delays and address concerns amid the ongoing fuel crisis.
This was clarified by Hyll Retuya, head of the Traffic Enforcement Agency of Mandaue (Team), following a meeting with the Visayas Unified Truckers Association, business groups, and local stakeholders regarding the request to suspend the 60-day truck ban in Mandaue.
According to Retuya, the meeting gave city officials a clearer understanding of the truckers' actual demands.
“We were glad that the truckers attended the meeting because it gave us the opportunity to hear directly from them and better understand their side,” Retuya said.
The request to suspend the 60-day truck ban was initially made through a letter from the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and local business groups.
However, Retuya clarified that the truckers themselves said they do not favor completely lifting the truck ban.
“They said they do not agree with lifting the truck ban completely because it would create chaos on the roads. We have already seen that kind of situation before,” Retuya explained.
Instead of removal, the truckers are requesting uniform or synchronized truck ban hours across Mandaue and neighboring LGUs, where restrictions are currently longer and often inconsistent.
“Their only request is synchronization with neighboring LGUs. They are fine with Mandaue’s current setup because the city has a designated truck corridor. Their problem starts when they reach other areas where truck bans last until 9 a.m.,” Retuya said.
He noted that the issue is expected to be discussed in an upcoming meeting led by the Cebu Provincial Capitol, which will be attended by truckers, business leaders, traffic officials, and mayors from Metro Cebu and adjacent LGUs.
Retuya expressed hope that this long-standing issue can be resolved through a unified decision by local governments.
“Hopefully, this concern over the truck ban, especially with the lingering fuel crisis, can finally be addressed,” Retuya said.
He added that Mandaue City officials, including Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano, have agreed to respect whatever decision comes out of the provincial-level meeting.
