Manila terminal operators said their operations were not affected by the protest staged by some stakeholders against the Terminal Appointment Booking System (TABS).
Around 100 customs brokers and truckers attended a rally on March 7 in front of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) building in Gate 3 from 7am to noon. The protest was organized by the Coalition of Customs Brokers Association, Port Truckers, Stakeholders Kontra TABS, a group that includes the Aduana Business Club, Inc., Philippine Society of Filipino Customs Brokers, Inc., Customs Brokers Council of the Philippines, and Professional Customs Brokers Association of the Philippines, Inc.
READ: TABS protesters bent on work holiday starting March 7
In a statement, International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) said its flagship operation, Manila International Container Terminal (MICT), operated “under normal conditions and there have been no effects in terminal operations from the protest.” It added all roads going to and from MICT were clear and free flowing.
“We can also confirm that groups participating in the protest are actually transacting in MICT today with valid TABS bookings,” ICTSI said, adding they expect the same normal conditions to continue on March 8.
It was the same story for Manila South Harbor operator Asian Terminals Inc. (ATI). An ATI official told PortCalls truck movements on the morning of March 7 was “slow”, although this is usual for Monday mornings.
A BOC-accredited value-added service provider also told PortCalls their data showed no decline in the lodgement of entries on the morning of March 7.
The rallyists were pushing for the abolition of TABS, claiming the system has no legal basis; has no guidelines for implementation; restrains the flow of trade; and curtails trucking and business opportunities. They claim booking fees and penalties will inflate costs for stakeholders and will only line the pocket of port operators.
During the protest, the groups said the system was a “money-making scheme” to fund the current administration’s political bets for the May elections.
TABS is a government-approved electronic platform for booking containers at Manila South Harbor and MICT specifically developed to minimize road traffic and prevent container build-ups. The system will be strictly implemented on March 16, with the truck ban exemption and points system (booking fees only) taking effect on that day. The implementation of the penalties, however, was moved to April 1, as a result of consultation of port operators with several groups and major logistics providers.
Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras earlier countered claims the system hampers trade flow, pointing out that because of the truck ban exemption for TABS users, the system will increase window for trucks to ply the roads, leading to more capacity. He said the imposition of fees and penalties is meant to induce compliance with the system and to avoid abuse.
READ: PH Cabinet official defends online container booking system
