As this developed, 200 tankers of Pilipinas Shell and Chevron Philippines (formerly Caltex) have been exempted by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) from the truck ban in a bid to avert fuel shortage in Metro Manila following the shutdown of the 117-kilometer pipeline that passes through Osmeña Highway (formerly South Superhighway), covering the cities of Makati and Pasay, and South Luzon Expressway (SLEx) covering Muntinlupa City, San Pedro, Biñan, Cabuyao, Santa Rosa, Calamba in Laguna up to Batangas City. The 40-year-old pipeline supplies around 60 percent of Metro Manila’s fuel requirements from Batangas to the oil depots in Pandacan.

MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said the 200 fuel tankers and lorries have been authorized by the agency to travel around Metro Manila from 10 a.m. until 6 a.m. on all major thoroughfares following the shutdown of the First Philippine Industrial Corporation pipeline, called the “White Line,” after it was identified as the source of the oil seepage in a Makati City condominium. The other FPIC pipeline is known as the “Black Line,” which transports heavier petroleum products.

To determine the exact location of the leak, excavation work has been ongoing.

But if the diggings continue, the DPWH feared it might affect the stability of the retaining wall that supports the southbound ramp of the Magallanes overpass.

Because of the threat, DPWH Undersecretary for Regional Operations Romeo Momo ordered a stop in the excavation as they assess its effect on the foundation of the infrastructure.

Although there is no sign that the overpass has been weakened, Momo said they are not taking any chances.

He pointed out that the soil foundation may also have been weakened because of the recent rains.

DPWH Regional Director Reynaldo Tagudando said “that as of now, there had been no signs of cracks in the structure that would lead to its collapse,” allaying fears from motorists that the overpass’ structural foundation has been compromised.

He, however, pointed that the moving load or vehicles passing through the structure could trigger the collapse if the diggings continue.

“The vibration might disturb the retaining wall and lead to the possible collapse of the southbound ramp going to the South Luzon Expressway,” the official explained.

The foundation of the flyover is reportedly attached to a footing to shield the pipeline from the weight of the overhead structure and the passing motorists. The DPWH imposes a weight limit of 20-ton per axle.

FPIC workers have been digging along the stretch of Osmeña Highway, at the foot of the Magallanes overpass to give way for the repair of the damaged portion of the Batangas-Manila fuel pipeline. It will reportedly last for three weeks.

The pipeline was shut off last week following the discovery of a leak in the tube that caused the three-month-long fuel seepage at the basement of the West Tower Condominium in Barangay Bangkal, Makati City.

Tagudando acknowledged that the pipeline leakage poses a public risk and had to be plugged.

He estimated the depth of the pitfalls to measure between two meters to 2.5 meters in order to reach the fuel pipeline that reportedly suffered a leak.

When the rupture in the pipeline was discovered, Tagudando said diesel fuel was passing through the pipeline.

As of press time, it is not clear yet, when the DPWH would allow the resumption of diggings.

Makati City Mayor Jejomar Erwin S. Binay said that until all probable leaks are checked and the repairs concluded, Task Force West Tower will retain the “Code Red” alert status for the 100-meter radius area of West Tower condominium.

Under a Code Red status, emergency response vehicles and personnel are positioned within 100 meters of the building on a 24-hour basis.

Meanwhile, Tolentino appealed to motorists for patience as they have to experience heavy traffic even during off-peak hours as the 200 tankers and lorries carrying petroleum products have to share space with them.

“Heavy traffic will be experienced by motorists because of this uncontrollable situation but this would be on a temporary basis," said Tolentino.

However even if the agency has approved the issuance of temporary exemptions from the truck ban, fuel tankers and lorries transporting petroleum products from Batangas are barred from plying Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue, Roxas Boulevard, and Taft Avenue.

The temporary exemptions will be on a provisional basis, valid for one week only.

“Instead of oil depots in Pandacan, Manila, the tankers and lorries will distribute the petroleum products to the retailers all over the metropolis,” said Tolentino, as agreed during the meeting with officials of Pilipinas Shell and Chevron Philippines.

“Through this move, we are hoping to prevent any fuel shortage that may arise from the current situation,” Tolentino said.

About 2.6 million liters of petroleum products are being supplied by Pilipinas Shell.

Tolentino instructed the oil companies to place small banners on the front windshield of the fuel trucks for proper identification and to facilitate effective enforcement.

Raymond Antonio & Anna Liza Villas, Manila Bulletin