THE Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) has long decided on a gates to address air cargo handling congestion when disputes broke out and all was brought to a halt, reports the Philippines Inquirer.

The solution backed by most stakeholders had the support of Think tank Infrawatch PH convenor lawyer Terry Ridon. This involved opening to ensure the efficient flow of cargo.

But legal hurdles are currently delaying implementation. In June, a Paranaque court issued a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) after a lawsuit filed by a third-party group, Kapisanan ng mga Nagtitiis na Mananakay, alleging the new gate would lead to the "illegal alienation＃ of public property."

The plaintiffs contended that the new cargo gate would provide preferential access to select cargo companies, potentially disadvantaging smaller operators and negatively impacting the general public. In support of their case, they filed a P2-million bond to substantiate their legal challenge.

Legal challenges continued with a writ of preliminary injunction in July 2024, halting construction of the crucial ramp access.

MIAA argued that the plaintiffs lacked standing as they would not be harmed by more efficient airport operations. They also noted that the project involved only the opening of a new gate for improved cargo service, not the sale of public property.

In 2020, another major ground handler with ramp access between its warehouse and the aircraft area was also blocked by a TRO and injunction after a resident, lacking legal title, claimed ownership of the land where a long-operating warehouse was situated. The court ultimately upheld this claim, further complicating cargo operations.