Truckers protests against NLEX toll hike

The Central Luzon Alliance of Concerned Truck Owners and Organizations (ACTOO) staged a protest of almost 100 trucks to rally against the increase in toll rates on the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), according to a 24 Oras Report by Oscar Oida on Friday.

“Ngayon palang bumabangon ang industriya simula sa pinagdaanang pandemya. Nung panahong walang lumalabas, ang trucking ang bumuhay sa NLEX kasi diba ‘di kami huminto sa pagtrabaho? Ni hindi nga kami nanghingi ng discount sa kanila eh,” said ACTOO Director Connie Tinio.

“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,” Tinio added.

The protest ended around 9 a.m., though the ACTOO director said this was only the first in a series of actions.

ACTOO lamented that the hike had increased the cost of their operations, 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.

While the truckers had sent a letter to the Toll Regulatory Board, the TRB said a formal petition was needed.

However, the deadline to protest the increase had expired.

The TRB also called on ACTOO to consider the welfare of motorists and commuters and not push through with their plans.

“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.

According to the Manila Police District, local government units had not granted a permit for Friday's protest.

However, Tinio explained that they had sought a permit from city hall.

"Under Batas Pambansa 880, kapag 2 days [na] ‘di inaksiyunan ng City Hall ‘yun, ‘yung permit is deemed granted,” Tinio said.

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

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

The management of NLEX was also monitoring and prioritizing public safety and regular traffic conditions. — Sherylin Untalan/Jiselle Casucian/DVM, GMA Integrated News