Senator Kiko Pangilinan got his wish as agricultural trucks started passing through major expressways toll-free beginning April 20, after the Department of Agriculture granted a temporary toll fee waiver for trucks carrying agricultural goods amid rising fuel prices. The policy applies to registered agri-trucks using the Tarlac–Pangasinan–La Union Expressway, South Luzon Expressway, and North Luzon Expressway.
Pangilinan had earlier pushed for the return of priority food lanes to keep supply chains moving during the oil crisis. “Nagsisimula nang maisakatuparan ang ating iminungkahing pagbabalik ng food lanes—mga priority lane para sa mga produktong agrikultural—upang matiyak ang tuloy-tuloy na daloy ng pagkain sa gitna ng oil crisis,” he said. “Simula April 20, magiging toll-free ang mga rehistradong agri-trucks sa mga pangunahing expressway—TPLEX, SLEX, at NLEX,” he added.
The rollout is being implemented in coordination with the Department of Transportation and private sector partners. Pangilinan described the measure as a practical move to speed up deliveries from farms to markets while easing transport costs. “Isang malaking hakbang ito para mapabilis ang biyahe ng pagkain mula sakahan hanggang pamilihan at mapababa ang gastos sa logistics,” he said.
He also emphasized the importance of collective action as the policy takes effect. “Sa panahon ng krisis, mahalaga ang ating sama-samang pagkilos para matiyak na may sapat at abot-kayang pagkain para sa bawat Pilipino,” he said.
According to the DA, transport expenses alone add around P2 to P5 per kilo to retail food prices. Initial estimates indicate the toll waiver could lead to major savings. For the 1,162 trucks currently accredited under the Food Lane program, savings of P1,500 to P3,000 per trip could amount to P52 million to P105 million in one month. The total could increase further if more than 3,100 previously registered trucks renew their accreditation.
