Truck operators and business groups are urgently appealing to the Mandaue City government to temporarily suspend its truck ban for 60 days. The groups cite skyrocketing fuel prices and operational delays that are making it difficult to complete deliveries on time.
Hyll Retuya, head of the Traffic Enforcement Agency of Mandaue (TEAM), announced that this request for a moratorium will be discussed during the Traffic Board meeting scheduled for April 28, 2026. Currently, the City Government is holding off on a final decision, stating that officials need to coordinate with the Provincial Government and other local government units (LGUs) across Metro Cebu to ensure alignment.
“We cannot make an immediate decision yet because we still have pending discussions with the Provincial Capitol and other LGUs,” Retuya explained.
Impact of the Fuel Crisis
The primary driver behind this request is the ongoing fuel crisis. Truckers argue that current restrictions on road usage are adding to their costs and causing scheduling difficulties. There is a growing fear among operators that if deliveries continue to be delayed, clients might cancel contracts and withdraw from business deals.
“The main reason is the ongoing fuel crisis,” Retuya said.
However, lifting the ban presents a challenge. City officials are concerned that allowing large trucks back on the streets during peak hours could cause massive traffic gridlock. Retuya warned that this is a shared concern among officials in other LGUs if the ban is lifted across Metro Cebu.
“One of the biggest concerns is traffic congestion. That is also the fear of officials in other LGUs if the ban is lifted across Metro Cebu,” he added. Mandaue is a critical passageway for the entire region, meaning traffic there affects surrounding cities.
Current Truck Ban Regulations
Currently, Mandaue City enforces a truck ban during the busiest parts of the day: 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. These rules apply every day except Sundays and holidays. To help keep goods moving, a specific truck corridor from CIP to Barangay Kansaga remains open to haulers 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Data from the first four months of the year shows that TEAM has recorded 96 apprehensions for violations, mostly involving non-essential vehicles. Retuya clarified that some trucks are already exempt from the ban, particularly those carrying perishable goods like fresh food that could spoil if delayed.
Next Steps
The next steps depend on a wider review from regional stakeholders. The city is waiting for recommendations from the Traffic Board and the results of meetings organized by Governor Pamela Baricuatro. Because Mandaue sits at the heart of Metro Cebu’s transport network, any change to the truck ban will likely require the support of the Provincial Capitol to avoid causing a chain reaction of traffic issues in neighboring towns.
