TRB, Citra collusion?

Is there collusion between the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) and Citra Metro Manila Tollways Corp. (Citra) in the granting of toll rate increases at the South Luzon Expressway?

There is, oppositors to the new rate for the Skyway claimed yesterday. Lawyer Efren Carag and consumer activist Ray Junia said they fear that their protests against any toll rate increases will be futile due to the apparent collusion between Citra and the TRB.

Several case records showed that the TRB bends to Citra’s calls, Junia said.

In a statement, Carag said on Oct. 9, 2001, Citra formally filed an Urgent Motion for Provisional Approval seeking toll rates for the Metro Manila Skyway. Carag received the notice of such petition dated Oct. 12, 2001.

In the petition, Citra reasoned that the increase in toll rates was necessary due to the significant currency devaluation. Citra also stressed that the resulting devaluation has left them neck-deep in financial debt.

On Nov. 7, Carag and other oppositors received a copy of a motion whereby Citra withdrew its plea for provisional increase. On Nov. 9, 2001, however, sources claimed that the TRB hosted Citra in a special board meeting and granted the provisional increase.