The Christmas free toll offered by Ramon Ang’s San Miguel Corporation (SMC) passed with little notice while most motorists were asleep, just days before higher toll rates were cleared to take effect on two of the country’s busiest expressways.

From 10 p.m. on 24 December until 6 a.m. on Christmas Day, toll collection was suspended across all SMC-operated expressways, including the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR) Tollway, Skyway, NAIA Expressway and TPLEX.

But traffic advisories and operator data show that peak outbound travel for the holidays occurred earlier, 23 and 24 December, well outside the late-night windows when tolls were waived.

TRB approval out

Announced on 26 December, motorists will face approved toll increases ranging from P3 to P31 on both SLEX and the STAR Tollway starting 1 January 2026, following authorization by the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB).

The TRB said the increases are intended to fund ongoing operations, maintenance, and infrastructure improvements to ensure “safer, faster, and more convenient” travel.

SMC operates the country’s largest expressway network, making any toll adjustment particularly consequential for daily commuters, provincial travelers, and logistics operators across Southern Luzon.

Although the holiday toll suspension was publicly framed as easing the burden on motorists, its timing — restricted to hours of lighter traffic — meant that most holiday travelers still paid full rates. The higher tolls, meanwhile, take effect immediately after the festive period, resetting costs just as traffic volumes return to normal in the new year.