Valenzuela LGU rejects NLEX's extension bid; Monday 5pm deadline to stay

The management of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) has until 5 p.m. Monday to address the concerns of Valenzuela City after the latter rejected the former's request to give them 15 days to solve the RFID cashless payment mess.

"We deny your request for an extension of 15 days within which to respond to the concerns we raised. Your defense that the full RFID implementation only started last December 1 is not justifiable considering that you know beforehand that you will be executing the RFID cashless payment system," Mayor Rex Gatchalian said in a letter addressed to Luigi Bautista, president and general manager of NLEX Corporation.

"We find your answer unsatisfactory, wanting, and fell short of concrete action plans, solutions, and fixes," Gatchalian added.

He said the "monstrous traffic" caused by the glitches on the RFID cashless payment system has been taking its toll on the economic, mental, and general well-being of the public.

Aside from taking full responsibility on the matter and apologizing to the general public, Gatchalian demanded the following from the NLEX Corporation:

•     Offer concessions to the public to make up for the damages done to the general public in the form of toll holiday pending acceptable and full solution to your RFID problem; and
•     Lift all your toll boom gates/barriers in your toll plazas within the jurisdiction of the city to alleviate the appalling traffic situation.

Gatchalian warned that if the management of NLEX would not abide by the demands by 5 p.m., today, "the city government will exercise its full power and authority and issue an executive order for your company to cease and desist from the operation of your business and order for the lifting of all your boom barriers/gates located within the jurisdiction of Valenzuela City."

The mayor has branded the situation in NLEX as "highway robbery."

He said he has experienced this dilemma in the past years even before the full implementation of the cashless system earlier this month, which has since resulted in heavy traffic among motorists.

Robin Ignacio, senior traffic manager of NLEX/SCTEX, earlier said they have repeatedly apologized to motorists affected by the ongoing chaotic situation in NLEX.—AOL, GMA News