Review NLEX toll hike, Malacañang urged

Petitions against the latest toll increase implemented by the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) Corporation are set to be forwarded to Malacañang amid concerns that it would drive up the prices of basic goods and transportation.

Bulacan Rep. Augustina Dominique “Tina” Pancho, vice chair of the House committee on transportation, said the toll hike took effect without proper consultation with the affected sectors, especially businesses, truckers, and delivery services.

“We will appeal [to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.] and, perhaps, if there is a franchise renewal it should be carefully studied. You can’t just implement an increase without considering all sectors,” she said in Filipino in an interview.

“Don’t just focus on profits. Give due consideration to the people who pay,” she added.

The state-run Philippine National Construction Corporation was the franchise holder of the NLEX, holding a 20-percent share, until 2005. NLEX is now a subsidiary of Metro Pacific Tollways Corp., the toll road arm of Metro Pacific Investments Corp. led by businessman Manny Pangilinan.

The new toll fee hike, which took effect on Sunday, 2 March, increased rates by P5 for Class 1 vehicles (cars, motorcycles, and most other personal vehicles), P13 for Class 2 (buses and trucks), and P15 for Class 3 (large trucks and vehicles).

This translated to totals of P79 for Class 1 vehicles, P199 for Class 2, and P238 for Class 3 under the open system.