Cebu City Mayor Open to Temporarily Lifting Truck Ban Amid Middle East Crisis
Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival has expressed willingness to temporarily lift the city's truck ban following a request from logistics companies. This move aims to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of basic commodities as stakeholders navigate the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, which threatens to disrupt supply chains.
Precautionary Measure Under Review
Archival emphasized that the proposal is a precautionary measure designed to prevent potential disruptions in the supply chain. However, he stressed that any decision must first undergo a thorough review by the Traffic Management Council (TMC) before being finalized. "Regarding the trucks, I told them that I agree, but I still need to have it go through the TMC process. So, I don't think there's a problem with that, and it will probably move forward to the council," Archival stated.
Logistics Request and Current Regulations
The matter was discussed during the Cebu Logistics and Supply Chain Convergence Meeting on March 31, 2026, led by Pamela Baricuatro in coordination with national agencies and the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Under current regulations, heavy vehicles with six wheels and above are restricted during peak hours, typically from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Cebu City Councilor Winston Pepito, who chairs the City Council's transportation committee, will bring the proposal to the City Council and initiate consultations with the TMC. Pepito explained that the request originated from logistics operators seeking to avoid delivery delays and rising operational costs, especially for essential goods. "If the truck ban remains in place, cargo arriving at the port could be held up, forcing companies to wait for non-restricted hours," he noted.
Added Expenses and Efficiency Concerns
Such delays may require additional drivers and resources, increasing costs at a time when many businesses are already tightening expenses. Pepito emphasized that lifting the ban, even temporarily, would allow logistics firms to manage deliveries more efficiently, avoid unnecessary delays, and minimize added expenses on basic commodities. "It's really about helping them streamline deliveries and avoid extra costs during this crisis. This is more of a precautionary request from truck operators," he added.
Traffic Volume and TMC Evaluation
Pepito downplayed concerns over possible traffic congestion, noting that vehicle volume has decreased due to the vacation season. "I don't think traffic will be a problem since there are fewer vehicles now," he said. The proposal will be formally presented to the TMC for evaluation, with Pepito stating, "Let's bring this to the TMC board. After the TMC, that's something we can do depending on their assessment." The TMC could take up the proposal in its meeting on Friday, April 10, particularly if the situation is deemed urgent.
