Cuts in toll rates eyed as govt addresses oil price surge

Zambles 1st District Representative and House Deputy Speaker Jefferson "Jay" F. Khonghun has filed a bill last Wednesday seeking the reduction of tollway fees as the government seeks measures to reduce the impact of surging oil prices.

- BY HENRY EMPEÑO

House Bill (HB) 8652, or the proposed "Tollway Fee Reduction Act," seeks to provide "immediate and sustained relief" to motorists through a phased reduction of tollway fees that would culminate in a 70-percent decrease within five years.

Under this proposal, there will be a 50-percent cut in toll fees in the first year of implementation, followed by a 20-percent reduction in the succeeding year.

The proposal covers Class 3 vehicles transporting essential goods and commodities, public utility vehicles engaged in passenger transport and vehicles traveling during off-peak hours.