MANILA, Philippines — Former president and now Manila Mayor Joseph Ejercito Estrada on Saturday lifted the truck ban in Manila.

Estrada, in a televised press conference, said the lifting of the ban that started at 12 noon, was contained in Executi‎ve Order No. 67 and would be in effect “indefinitely”.

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Pursuant to the executive order, truck lanes were removed and trucks will now be allowed to enter the city anytime of the day.

He said he was heeding the request of the national government to lift the truck ban to ease traffic congestion.

“I am avoiding the conflict kaya we withdraw and let the national government take over,” he said.

He, however, clarified that the lifting of the truck ban was voluntary saying there was no pressure from Malacanang or from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

“We are giving them (the leeway) so they won’t blame us,” he said.

The Manila truck ban has been criticized by truckers and various sectors as it has done nothing to ease congestion in the city’s ports.

It has also been blamed for the recent traffic gridlock experienced by motorists and commuters at the North Luzon Expressway (Nlex) and on roads leading to Manila.

Estrada, however, said that the ports have been congested even before the city government implemented the truck ban.

The Manila truck ban ordinance was implemented in February 2014. Cargo trucks were not allowed on the city’s main roads from 5: 00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Trucks were only allowed to ply designated truck lanes.

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