Expressway operators told to reimburse jeeps, buses, trucks after toll hike suspension

MANILA — Expressway operators have been instructed to reimburse public utility vehicles and trucks after the government suspended a recent toll hike due to oil price shocks, the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) said on Monday.

Those who are expected to receive their reimbursements through their accounts include jeeps, ejeeps, buses and trucks that were charged higher toll fees this year, said TRB spokesperson Julius Corpuz.


“Sa parating na Huwebes ay ibabalik na yung discount sa mga sectors na ito,” he told state television PTV.

“Ang hangarin ay para maibsan naman yung mataas na fuel price sa ating mga mananakay at pati na rin sa produktong dala ng ating mga trucks,” he said.

Discounts in toll plazas are expected to range between “5 and 20 percent,” depending on the expressway, Corpuz said.

“‘Yan po ay mananatili hanggang May 22, subject kung puwede pang iextend,” he said.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier ordered to suspended fare and toll fee hikes after oil supply was choked in the Strait of Hormuz as US-Israeli and Iranian forces trade air strikes.

Toll operators have also been reminded to deploy all personnel from March 28 to April 5, wwhen Filipinos are expected to travel to and from different provinces for the Holy Week break, he said.


“Ang ibig sabihin naka handa po ang lahat ng toll operators and concessionaires sa lahat ng puwedeng maranasan sa full travel season,” Corpuz said.

“Ang lahat ng lanes po ay open, lahat ay dapat available. Magdadagdag ng personnel para sa RFID at cash. Kapag humaba yung traffic ng mahigit 100 metro ay kailangan iangat yung barrier para tuloy tuloy lamang ang daloy ng trapiko,” he said.

Toll operators as well as gasoline stations along expressways were instructed to provide 24/7 mechanic services as well as ensure cleanliness in restrooms for the motorists, he said.

Hundreds of thousands of Filipinos traditionally to leave the capital region during the Holy Week to spend the long weekend in their respective home provinces, but steep increases in pump prices are expected to temper the exodus this year, authorities said.

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