Metro Pacific seeks higher toll rates for NLEX, Cavitex and SLEX

Motorists may find themselves paying as much as 15 to 55 percent more when passing through the country's three expressways.

The Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) on Friday told GMA News Online that Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC), the parent of Metro Pacific Tollways Development Corp., has filed a petition for an increase in toll rates for the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), Manila-Cavite Expressway (Cavitex), and the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX).

MPIC is asking for a 15 to 55 percent increase in toll rates by January 2016, TRB spokesperson Julius Corpuz said.

The petition covers a request for a 15-percent average of toll increase for NLEX, 25-percent for Cavitex, and 55-percent increase for SCTEX, Corpuz noted.

"The petitions are undergoing a continuous and thorough review," Corpuz said.

According to the regulator, the petitions were separately filed by MPIC. The request covering the SCTEX was received early this year and for the NLEX and Cavitex sometime last year.

Metro Pacific Tollways is the holding company of the Manila North Tollways Corp., Cavitex Infrastructure Corp., Tollways Management Corp., and Don Muang Tollway Public Ltd. of Thailand.

Earlier this month, MPIC said it has entered into two separate loan agreements totaling P16.5 billion to finance investment projects and for general corporate purposes. – Jon Viktor Cabuenas/VS, GMA News