Governor Jose V. Gambito of Nueva Vizcaya hosted and presided over a dialogue with the truckers and haulers’ group regarding the restriction of overloaded motor vehicles plying the region’s national highways on January 17, 2025 at the Ammungan Hall, Provincial Capitol of Nueva Vizcaya. They were joined by representatives from the DPWH, LTO, PNP, DA, NFA, DTI, DOST, and PLGU-Isabela.

In 2023, the Regional Development Council (RDC2) passed various resolutions urging the concerned national government agencies and local government units to strictly implement RA 8794, otherwise known as the Motor Vehicle User’s Charge (MVUC) Law. This led to 3,161 apprehensions by the DPWH, LTO, and PNP composite team from 2023 to 2024 at the Calitlitan Weighbridge Station in Nueva Vizcaya.

The group, represented by Mr. Randy S. Ting and Mr. Kervin Francis G. Uy, expressed their support for the safety and reliability of road infrastructures. However, they proposed revisiting the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of RA 8794 particularly on allowing the gross vehicle weight (GVW) up to 60 tons. The heightened apprehensions may lead to a shortage of agriculture, food, and other supplies to and from the region.

ARD Editha R. Babaran of the DPWH emphasized the 45 tons maximum allowable GVW as prescribed under the IRR. The GVW limit is the result of a study that conforms with international standards. For instance, bridges that are exposed to overloading shorten their lifespan from 50 to 15 years. Any proposed increase in the GVW must be anchored on an in-depth study, which will serve as a basis for amending the law.

Atty. Eduardo Cabantac echoed the position of RDC Chair and Isabela Governor Rodolfo T. Albano III to strictly implement the law unless an amendment of the law provides otherwise. Hence, the monitoring and enforcement activities in the Calitlitan Weighbridge Station will continue. Nonetheless, the request of the truckers will be further discussed by the Infrastructure Development Committee for onward action of the RDC.

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