Manila port congestion hurting economy: Aquino

[MANILA] Severe congestion at the Philippines' main seaport due to rules restricting truck access is hurting the economy, President Benigno Aquino said on Monday, hinting it could put this year's growth target at risk.

Mr Aquino said the government is doing all it can to ease congestion at the Manila port, and to prevent the supply chain problem from pushing up food prices, which have reached five-year highs.

"We ask for forgiveness from the public," Mr Aquino told reporters. "There is an impact of this congestion on the growth of our economy."