Filipinos can still pass through expressways without RFID but are advised to use the designated cash lanes, the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) clarified.

According to TRB spokesperson Julius Corpuz, about 3 percent to 5 percent of total motorists still pay toll fees in cash. Around 93 percent regularly use RFID, while another 4 percent have RFID but occasionally opt to pay in cash.

“Regular traffic pa rin naman po ang ating nararanasan. Wala pa tayong nararanasang exodus ng mga kababayan palabas ng Metro Manila, as of now. May pabugso-bugso po pero hindi po tumatagal,” Corpuz said in a DZRH interview on Wednesday.

("We’re still experiencing regular traffic conditions. As of now, there’s no mass exodus of our fellow citizens leaving Metro Manila. There are brief surges in traffic volume, but they don’t last long.")

However, he added, “Ngayong araw, inaasahan po namin na magsisimula na ang paglalakbay ng ating mga kababayan palabas ng Metro Manila.”

("Today, we expect that the travel of our fellow citizens out of Metro Manila will begin.")

Corpuz said heavier traffic is expected starting the afternoon of 16 April until noon of 17 April, as people travel for the holidays.

To ensure smoother travel, medical personnel, ambulances, mechanics, toll staff, pre-positioned tow trucks, and fire trucks are on standby. Measures such as counterflow traffic management will also be in place to ease congestion.