PHILIPPINE STAR/MIGUEL DE GUZMANTHE PHILIPPINE government will ensure that any potential increase in the price of goods, resulting from the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) recent toll fee hikes, would be “reasonable” to cushion its impact on Filipino consumers, according to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).
PCO Undersecretary Clarissa A. Castro said it is “inevitable” that the toll fee hike will have an effect on products as it is a factor in the delivery or manufacture of goods.
“We will study this to ensure it does not burden the public too much if there will be an increase” Ms. Castro said in Filipino during a news briefing on Monday.
“As we do, including the Department of Trade and Industry, we will check the prices, and if there is an increase, it should be reasonable.”
NLEX senior manager for events, special projects communication, and the stakeholder management division Mary Ann B. Tolentino did not immediately reply to a Viber message seeking comment.
The new toll fees took effect on March 2, with Filipinos now having to pay P5 more for class 1 vehicles such as cars, motorcycles and other personal vehicles, and additional P13 and P15 for class 2 vehicles or buses and trucks and class 3 vehicles or large trucks, respectively.
Those coming from Balintawak Quezon City and ending up on the expressway in Santa Ines in Mabalacat, Pampanga will have to pay an additional fee of P57 for class 1, P142 for class 2, and P171 for class 3 vehicles.
The Alliance of Concerned Truck Owners and Organizations in Central Luzon earlier raised that the increase was “untimely” and would burden motorists.
Ms. Castro said the PCO would relay the group’s concerns to President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. and relevant agencies for proper action.
“We need to hear the grievances of the people to provide better solutions to these kinds of sentiments,” she said. — John Victor D. Ordoñez
