Customs brokers and hauliers in Manila, Philippines, have stepped up protests over a worsening accumulation of empty containers, with a voluntary work stoppage and trucking holiday that started on 5 October.

Speakers representing Customs Brokers and Port Truckers Alliance, warned the protest could last a week and urged brokers to stop securing gate passes, booking trucks and releasing shipments until the number of empty containers in Manila is reduced.

The representative said thousands of empty boxes remain spread across terminals, truck yards and flatbeds, while only around 10% of cargo volumes are moving out of the city’s ports.

The Bureau of Customs has also raised concerns over the situation.

According to local news, Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno called on port authorities to address the growing backlog, suggesting containers waiting for more than 10 days be moved offsite.

He said rising yard utilisation at the Manila International Container Port and the Port of Manila was affecting cargo movement and creating wider operational disruption.

Trucking groups said the shortage of space for empty containers leaves vehicles unable to take on additional trips.

Confederation of Truckers Association of the Philippines president Mary Zapata said the problem had become severe, adding that fuel cost increases, destination charges, policies and truck bans were adding to existing difficulties.

The participating associations mentioned that demonstrations are intended to continue until stakeholders guarantee the prompt evacuation of empty containers.

Amid the disruption, Hapag-Lloyd has suspended bookings to Manila, Batangas and Subic Bay across all origins and trade lanes.

The carrier said the measure, introduced last week, will remain in place through 31 December unless conditions change significantly.