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Advocates Philippines
Lawmaker Urges Temporary 50% Toll Fee Cut To Ease Transport Costs
Photo credit: Congressman Rolan Valeriano
A Manila lawmaker is urging the government to temporarily reduce toll fees on major expressways across the country, saying the move could help ease the financial burden on commuters, businesses, and transport operators amid volatile global oil prices.
Rolando Valeriano, representative of Manila’s 2nd District, said he filed a House resolution before the House of Representatives of the Philippines calling for government intervention that would temporarily reduce toll charges on national expressways by 50 percent.
The proposal aims to lower transportation and logistics costs at a time when fuel prices remain unpredictable in the global market.
Temporary relief for motorists
In the resolution, Valeriano urged the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) to review and amend Toll Operation Certificates issued to expressway operators to allow the implementation of a temporary toll reduction.
If adopted, the measure would enable motorists using national expressways to pay half the usual toll rates for a limited period. The lawmaker said the proposal is intended as an emergency response to rising expenses faced by motorists and transport providers.
According to Valeriano, the initiative forms part of broader efforts to help shield Filipino households and businesses from the ripple effects of fuel price increases, which often lead to higher transportation fares, logistics costs, and more expensive goods and services.
Role of tollways in transport
Tollways play a critical role in the country’s transport network, particularly in Luzon where key routes such as the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), and the Metro Manila Skyway connect Metro Manila to major economic centers and nearby provinces.
These expressways are operated by private concessionaires under government regulation, with toll rates approved and supervised by the Toll Regulatory Board. Any adjustment to toll fees typically requires regulatory review and coordination with operators to ensure contractual obligations and infrastructure funding are maintained.
Possible impact on transport and prices
Transport groups and logistics companies have long argued that rising fuel and operational costs are major factors driving up fares and delivery expenses. These costs often trickle down to consumers through higher food prices, delivery charges, and service fees.
Valeriano said a temporary toll reduction could help offset some of those expenses, particularly for delivery trucks, public utility vehicles, and businesses that rely heavily on expressways to move goods.
Next steps
As a House resolution, the proposal does not automatically change toll rates but instead calls on relevant government agencies to study and consider implementing the measure.
The resolution may be referred to appropriate committees in the House for further discussion, while the Toll Regulatory Board would need to coordinate with expressway operators to determine whether a temporary toll reduction is feasible.
Rolando Valeriano, representative of Manila’s 2nd District, said he filed a House resolution before the House of Representatives of the Philippines calling for government intervention that would temporarily reduce toll charges on national expressways by 50 percent.
The proposal aims to lower transportation and logistics costs at a time when fuel prices remain unpredictable in the global market.
Temporary relief for motorists
In the resolution, Valeriano urged the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) to review and amend Toll Operation Certificates issued to expressway operators to allow the implementation of a temporary toll reduction.
If adopted, the measure would enable motorists using national expressways to pay half the usual toll rates for a limited period. The lawmaker said the proposal is intended as an emergency response to rising expenses faced by motorists and transport providers.
According to Valeriano, the initiative forms part of broader efforts to help shield Filipino households and businesses from the ripple effects of fuel price increases, which often lead to higher transportation fares, logistics costs, and more expensive goods and services.
Role of tollways in transport
Tollways play a critical role in the country’s transport network, particularly in Luzon where key routes such as the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), and the Metro Manila Skyway connect Metro Manila to major economic centers and nearby provinces.
These expressways are operated by private concessionaires under government regulation, with toll rates approved and supervised by the Toll Regulatory Board. Any adjustment to toll fees typically requires regulatory review and coordination with operators to ensure contractual obligations and infrastructure funding are maintained.
Possible impact on transport and prices
Transport groups and logistics companies have long argued that rising fuel and operational costs are major factors driving up fares and delivery expenses. These costs often trickle down to consumers through higher food prices, delivery charges, and service fees.
Valeriano said a temporary toll reduction could help offset some of those expenses, particularly for delivery trucks, public utility vehicles, and businesses that rely heavily on expressways to move goods.
Next steps
As a House resolution, the proposal does not automatically change toll rates but instead calls on relevant government agencies to study and consider implementing the measure.
The resolution may be referred to appropriate committees in the House for further discussion, while the Toll Regulatory Board would need to coordinate with expressway operators to determine whether a temporary toll reduction is feasible.
Mar 16, 2026
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