MANILA — Instead of penalizing motorists plying toll roads connecting Metro Manila to the northern and southern part of Luzon, a group called on the government to seriously consider implementing a rebate system – at least until issues hounding the expressways shall have been resolved.

In a statement, the AkoOFW partylist group assailed what they described as “stiff penalties” that the toll operators wanted to impose for traffic infractions along the expressways.

According to Dr. Chie Umandap in his capacity as chairman of the AkoOFW partylist group, the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) should instead be penalizing tollway operators in view of what he claimed as willful negligence on the part of the companies collecting fees for the use of “poorly-maintained roads.

Citing Joint Memorandum Order 2024-001, Umandap said that the pushing for higher fines for traffic infractions is not in anyway acceptable even as he claimed that the road users are at the losing end as they are made to pay hefty amount that is not even commensurate of the the dilapidated expressways, road obstructions, defective RFIDs and floodings.

“What the TRB should do is to compel the toll road operators to address the issues being raised by motorists even before thinking of further enriching themselves… we don’t get what is commensurate for what we paid for,” he lamented.

He added that in some instances, traders transporting goods to Metro Manila are losing heavily because of the delays caused by traffic congestion, road damages, obstructions and flooding.

“Instead of imposing fines, why not consider a rebate system for toll fees paid by the public motorists who are experiencing significant inconvenience due to heavy traffic, floods, and mismanagement of traffic flow within tollways,” he added

“These issues, which are often beyond the control of motorists, result in wasted time, increased fuel costs, and undue stress. A rebate system would not only provide fair compensation but also serve as an incentive for toll operators to improve infrastructure, ensure efficient traffic management, and respond promptly to emergencies such as flooding,” the AkoOFW chairman added.

This comes as Umandap called on the RB to remind toll operators of its obligations.

“As toll fees are meant to guarantee smoother and safer travel, it is reasonable for the public to receive some form of relief when these expectations are not met. We urge the TRB to consider these measures in support of motorists’ rights and welfare.”

The TRB earlier issued revised guidelines for the uniform enforcement of contactless toll collection in all expressways starting August 31. The implementation however was held in abeyance by the DOTR amid mounting calls for its cancellation.

Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 2024-01 enforces the prohibitions/restrictions against motorists entering dedicated electronic toll collection (ETC) lanes with “No Valid ETC Device,” and with “No Sufficient Load.”

TRB said these erring motorists represent 9% of all the motorists using the toll expressways “who unfortunately are the ones causing the unnecessary delays and long queues at the toll plazas.”

It added: “A vast majority of toll expressway users (91%) are compliant and responsible ETC users and are often greatly inconvenienced by the erring motorists.”

The JMC covers all types of vehicles, whether private, for hire, diplomatic or government, while entering and traveling on all toll expressways, except vehicles defined by laws as exempted from payment of toll fees (but nonetheless still required to install RFID sticker/electronic toll collection device), or those not allowed to enter toll expressways.

Under the JMC, entering a limited access highway without the required valid ETC device, including dilapidated ETC device, will be penalized as “No Valid ETC Device” with penalties as follows:

First offense – P1,000
Second offense – P2,000
Subsequent offenses – P5,000 per offense

📷 AkoOFW