Truckers group to stage protest over NLEX toll hike

The Central Luzon Alliance of Concerned Truck Owners Organization (ACTOO) said it is planning to stage protest against the increase in toll rates on North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), according to a "24 Oras" report by Cedric Castillo on Thursday.

“Nagco-consolidate pa po kami ng aming mga pwersa pero panigurado po ang mga pwersa po ay manggagaling sa iba't ibang exit ng NLEX po,” ACTOO director Connie Tinio said. 

On June 15, the NLEX toll hike took effect which increased the rates from P19 to almost P100 for large trucks.

ACTOO lamented the hike has jacked up the cost of their operation, which would eventually affect the consumers.

“Siguradong pass on po ito sa mga consumer kasi ngayon pa lang nanghihingi na rin po kami ng dagdag na rate sa mga kliyente namin. Hindi lang yung toll ang nagiging problema namin kung hindi yung nagagastos namin sa diesel dahil sa traffic,” Tinio said.

The group has already sent a letter to the Toll Regulatory Board. Still, TRB said a formal petition is needed.

However, the deadline to protest against the increase has expired.

“Idudulog natin sa ating pamunuan upang mapag-aralan if they can be given due course kasi lagpas na po 'yung 90-day period na pwedeng mag-file sila ng oposisyon,” said TRB spokesperson Julius Corpuz. 

Despite this, the TRB called on the group to consider the welfare of motorists and commuters and not go ahead with the plan.

“Igagalang naman po namin ang kanilang karapatan upang ilabas ang kanilang saloobin and we are hopeful na they will be very responsible naman po that they will not create inconvenience or discomfort sa ibang motorista,” Corpuz added. 

Following ACTOO's warning, the Philippine National Police and the Metro Manila Development Authority deployed personnel at the various exits of NLEX.

The management of NLEX is said to be monitoring and prioritizing public safety and regular traffic conditions.—LDF, GMA Integrated News