'SLEX toll hike to take effect despite protests'

MANILA, Philippines - The government said yesterday that there is no stopping the approved 250-percent toll increase that motorists will pay for the right to drive through the South Luzon Expressway starting June 30.

This, despite a number of petitions against the toll hike, Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) spokesman Julius Corpus said in a phone interview.

He said the increase, based on the agreement between the government and investor South Luzon Tollway Corp., was provisional in nature, which means that despite the petitions, it would take effect.

The only way the toll increase can be stopped is if the court issues a temporary restraining order or the TRB reverses its own ruling, Corpus said.

“We just (allowed) those who invested to get their money’s worth,” he said. 

Under the law, the petitioners have 90 days to submit their opposition to the toll hike, after which the TRB would decide whether to retain the increased toll or revert to the old rates.

At least three organizations have so far opposed the looming toll increase, namely the South Luzon Bus Operators Association, Confederation of Truck Associations of the Philippines, and Christian International for Transparency and Accountability.

Four incumbent Laguna congressmen have also submitted their appeal before the TRB.

Under the new rates from Alabang to Calamba, Class 1 vehicles would have to pay P77 from P22; Class 2 vehicles, (light trucks and buses), P155 from P43; and Class 3 vehicles (heavy and multi-wheeler trucks), P232 from P65.