17/03/2021
MATNOG PORT ISSUE: Former DA Secretary Manny Piñol, in his wall, called out the government’s inability in solving the Matnog port crisis resulting to the usual queue of stranded trucks in national highway in Matnog, Putiao and even in Alobo, Daraga, Albay.
It has garnered quite a number of reactions blaming mostly the alleged corruption in Matnog port initiated by fixers and their alleged protectors/collaborators within.
In the course of heated comments , DOTR Assistant Secretary Goddess Hope Libiran leave this response:
“Good morning, Sir.
There were three issues that were found out and discussed during an interagency meeting that was held yesterday to address the matter of queueing of trucks in Matnog:
1) Harsh sea condition
2) Shortage of vessels servicing the route
3.) Issue on scalpers/corruption involving queueing of trucks outside port premises, which is under the jurisdiction of the Provincial Police, and not under the DOTr nor the PPA.
*HARSH SEA CONDITION IN MATNOG*
It was found out that the loading and unloading of trucks and cargoes was affected by the harah sea condition, thereby increasing the queueing of trucks. Please note that not all vessels have the capability to sail under hard sea condition. It was also found out that there was a reduced number of trips in the route
Moving forward, PPA shall open two additional ramps from six existing to eight by April 2021. MARINA will also review the schedule and no. of trips per vessel as provided under the CPC. PCG will supervise the loading/unloading of cargoes, and ensure enforcement of CPC in accordance with time.
*SHORTAGE OF VESSELS*
Based on investigation, only eight vessels are currently servicing the route. Under normal conditions, twelve vessels are operating in the area. Non-operational ships were reported to be either under repair or not capable of sailing due to sea condition
Moving forward, MARINA shall advise shipping companies to increase frequency of trips to compensate for shortage, and replace dry docked vessels to ensure the stable operations of the route.
MARINA and PPA will also encourage shipping companies to apply in the said route with assistance thru Bayanihan 2.”
Yesterday, Gov Chiz Escudero called a meeting with the local authorities to address the same issue.
Meanwhile, the Sorsogon News team headed by SM Puti Dollison on their way to Legazpi have chanced upon the weary truck drivers and ‘pahinantes’ in Putiao, Pilar already begging for own sustenance.
Some have been stucked in the highway for 3 days, others longer without enough money to buy food.
( with reference from Manny Piñol’ FB wall)
