CCLEX toll hike pushed

CEBU, Philippines — A toll increase ranging from P8 to P51 may be implemented by the Cebu Cordova Link Expressway Corporation (CCLEC) for vehicles using the Cebu Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) if the Local Toll Regulatory Council (LTRC) approves their application for toll hike.

CCLEC wants the existing P90 toll for Class 1 vehicles to be increased to P107. For Class 2 vehicles from P180 to P214; and Class 3 vehicles from P270 to P321. CCLEC also wants to raise from P60 to P65 the toll for Class 1M vehicles or motorcycles.

The application for toll hike prompted the Cebu Provincial Board to invite CCLEC President and General Manager Engr. Allan G. Alfon or his representatives to appear on the next Sangguniang Panlalawigan Regular Session--October 14.

Provincial Board Member Glenn Anthony Soco said the Cebu Provincial Board wants transparency as to the merits of the increase and to discuss other relevant information as regard the CCLEX.

“Of course, the circumstances that surrounds it given the economic situation we would like to hear their thoughts,” said Soco.

Soco said that it is important to know the side of CCLEC so that the public will know and understand, and as officials, they explain the adjustment to their constituents.

The board member also said that the province has no member in the LTRC, which he said maybe raised also in the next session with Alfon.

“Our invitation is a friendly invitation, because we are not privy and we are not part of the discussions as to any matters involving the CCLEX,” Soco told The Freeman.

Soco shared that during their meetings with Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and representatives of CCLEX, they have discussed about the provincial government being part of the CCLEX board.

“There were already discussions as to how to harmonize the concerns, however, niabot ni siya ang increase so I think we are just making a proactive stance that we want to know the basis (of the increase),” said Soco.

The CCLEX is under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model between the CCLEC, Cebu City Government, and the Municipality of Cordova.

Soco said that it is important to have representative in the council to know the ordinances being passed particularly that Cordova is a town in Cebu Province.

“Ako that’s part of my district, ang Cordova, so I should be able to explain to my constituents why the toll is this much, if there’s any increase then why we need an increase, so that we can also explain to our people,” Soco explained.

The board member said that toll adjustments will affect the whole province since not only residents of Cordova and Lapu-Lapu City passed through it, other residents in the island also use it.

“It matters in the essence and accountability that we feel that the Cebu Provincial Board has to take such action, I was happy that it was approved earlier,” Soco said.

“Any increase will directly affect ang atong mga katawhan…I think its incumbent upon me to also know about the details for such an increase,” Soco added.

Soco likewise said that what they are doing is an exercise of their legislative function, to show transparency in such transaction, particularly that it involves the public welfare.

“Kanang anything which is regulated like tolls, fares, wage adjustments has to be justified and the public needs to be properly informed, kinahanglan masabtan sa tao, it’s not for us,” Soco explained. — (FREEMAN)