Palace to defer SLEX toll hike

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang is likely going to toss the controversy over the reported plan to increase toll rates at the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) by at least 250 percent to the incoming administration of president-elect Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III.

Deputy presidential spokesman Gary Olivar said if the move to increase the toll rates by the South Luzon Toll Corp., which operates SLEX, was not part of any agreement with private investors, then deferring what is widely considered to be an exorbitant increase would be possible.

“If this (proposed toll increase) is above and beyond or not part of the contract, then this must be scrutinized well by regulatory agencies, and we hope that the incoming administration will come up with an appropriate solution, (as it) is now responsible to continue the projects of the Arroyo administration,” Olivar told government-run dzRB.

“This (toll increase) does not appear to be urgent, so I would not be surprised that it would be deferred to the next administration, which will scrutinize the contract,” he said.

He, however, said problems could arise if the increase was part of the provisions of the contract.

“If this (provision for toll increase) is already included, it would be hard to withdraw because we want to honor our commitments, and second, if we rescind that, our reputation is tarnished before the international community. Maybe future investment requirements may be affected,” Olivar said.

The Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) earlier allowed the South Luzon Toll Corp. to hike the toll rates covering the Alabang-Calamba stretch of SLEX starting June 30.

Aquino earlier warned against such increases following a public outcry and strong opposition by some of his advisers, including Albay Gov. Joey Salceda.

Some transport groups also questioned the move of the TRB as the agency’s officials are expected to leave office along with President Arroyo on June 30.

Passing the buck

Aquino has vowed to review the impending toll increase when he assumes office on June 30.

“I am holding responsibility for all of it (now), and I will want to be apprised as to why, and I think that is within the purview of the Department of Public Works and Highways secretary and the TRB,” Aquino told reporters.

He said he is “wondering” why and how come motorists plying SLEX have to bear this heavy burden. “Is the rate that was given not enough to begin with, that will justify massive changes?” he asked.

Compared to the SLEX toll, rates of the North Luzon Expressway where he regularly passes because he comes from the province of Tarlac, are “more reasonable,” he said.

“These are questions I am asking as a private citizen,” he added.

Several congressmen have denounced the 250 percent toll increase at SLEX, which they described as worse than a classic “midnight highway robbery.”

Reps. Teddy Casiño of Bayan Muna and Winston Castelo of Quezon City called on Aquino to stop the toll hike, describing it as “unjustified and anti-poor.”

“Any toll hike approved by the TRB is unconscionable as it will eventually jack up bus fares, prices of agricultural produce and some basic goods from the provinces that are transported through SLEX,” Casiño said.

Castelo, on the other hand, said the impending toll increase is unjustified. “(It seems) “they want to recover their expenses in a year’s time,” he said.

“I am against it. I will file a resolution expressing the collective sentiment of lawmakers opposed in its implementation as it will be burdensome to our people,” he said.

At least 200,000 motorists pass through SLEX daily. The increase will jack up the daily revenue collected from P8.68 million to an astounding P22.26 million, Casiño said.

He urged the TRB and its mother agency, the Department of Transportation and Communications, to junk the toll hike approval.

“As a regulatory agency, the TRB should provide service and protect the expressway users. The investor has already been guaranteed a good return of investment with the old rates at the least burden to the public. That should be enough,” he said.

“I understand that it is necessary that in order to have improved services there is a need to increase the toll. However, it should not be done in one fell swoop. The increase should be done gradually,” said Rep. Irwin Tieng of Buhay party-list.

1-Utak party-list Rep. Rigor Mendoza, meanwhile, said he will file a petition stopping the implementation of the toll hike.

Mendoza said the NLEX, a much developed and longer superhighway with wider roads, only charges a P2.12 per kilometer rate, compared to that of SLEX at P2.73 per kilometer, which is more costly.

“I cannot understand the difference in pricing and the variance is too big, and I think this has to be explained to the public,” he said.

The present toll from Alabang to Calamba is P22 for cars. Once the hike is implemented, this will increase from P70 to P85.

Motorists driving Class 1 vehicles or cars, vans, and other small vehicles through Alabang in Muntinlupa City to Calamba, Laguna will have to pay P77 from the current P21 once the new rate is implemented.

Class 2 vehicles or light trucks and buses will be charged P155 from P43, and Class 3 vehicles or heavy and multi-wheeler trucks, P232 from P65.

TRB spokesman Julius Corpus defended the toll increase, saying, “It is but right for investors to recover their investments after investing P11 billion in the project.” - With Delon Porcalla