MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Tuesday assured motorists that there will be no toll increase on expressways amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade said that he understands the clamor of tollway operators for increases in toll rates to generate needed revenue for operating expenditures.
However, Tugade explained that the DOTr, through the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB), must uphold and protect the interest of the public, especially with the pandemic’s economic effects.
“Nakikita natin ang pangangailangan ng operators ng increases na iyan nang sa ganon, ang mga funding requirements nila ay maasikaso. Pero kailangan din ng tulong sa sambayanan, lalo’t higit tayo ay nasa pandemyang nangyayari ngayon,” He said.
“We need to strike a good balance. Ang pangangailangan ng mga investors, ang mga kakayanan ng publiko. Kailangan ibalanse iyan,” he added.
According to Secretary Tugade, considering the conditions imposed by the pandemic, the DOTr may approve toll rate hikes, but will definitely be implemented at a later date. AAC
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