As fuel prices climb, a response begins to take shape across key expressways. Starting March 23, San Miguel Corporation and Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation will implement toll discounts for public utility vehicles and freight trucks on NLEX, SLEX, and STAR Tollway.
The program will run for an initial two months and may be extended upon review. The move follows coordination with the Department of Transportation – Philippines to address rising transport costs.
The Department of Transportation said the discounts will be delivered through a rebate system. Qualified vehicles will receive weekly credits based on toll usage. The program covers essential transport sectors moving passengers and goods.
Savings vary depending on vehicle type and route. PUVs such as jeepneys may save between ₱3 and ₱18 per trip. Meanwhile, buses and freight trucks can save up to ₱47 and ₱72 respectively.
San Miguel Corp., through its tollway operations, manages SLEX and STAR Tollway. Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. operates NLEX. Both companies agreed to implement the temporary toll discounts for essential transport sectors.
“We are grateful to San Miguel Corp., Mr. Ramon S. Ang and Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC), Mr. Manny Pangilinan, because this is a great help to our PUV drivers, commuters, as well as our consumers and businessmen despite the oil crisis we are facing today,” DOTr chief Giovanni Lopez, on how toll operators are supporting the transport sector amid rising fuel prices.
The toll relief applies to Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 vehicles. These include jeepneys, buses, and trucks involved in logistics and the transport of essential goods. The rebates will be credited weekly to qualified vehicles throughout the program period.
The initiative follows discussions between government officials and toll operators. The Department of Transportation said the discounts were implemented voluntarily by San Miguel Corp. and Metro Pacific.
