Palace defends planned toll hike for SLEX

Malacañang on Tuesday justified the planned increase in toll rates for the 30-kilometer Alabang to Calamba segment of the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), citing the need for "fair returns" for the company that built and operated the highway. Deputy presidential spokesperson Gary Olivar said the Palace is leaving the matter to the Toll Regulatory Board, which approved the proposal to increase toll rates by nearly three times, or from P0.87 to P2.73 per kilometer. Under the proposed hike, toll rates would be: P77 from P22 for Class 1 vehicles (light vehicles); P155 from P43 for Class 2 vehicles (buses and light trucks); and P232 from P65 for Class 3 vehicles (trailer trucks). The new toll rates will take effect on June 16, which falls on the week when classes open. However, Olivar said the Toll Regulatory Board should consider both the interests of investors and motorists. He added that the proposed toll hike must take into consideration a "fair price for motorists and commuters, a fair return for the company who built this useful infrastructure for us, and sending the right message to foreign investors whose capital and technology we will continue to need."

On Monday night, GMA News' Saksi said the planned toll rate increase did not sit well with motorists. "Bakit sila magta-taas, baka mag-bike na lang ako (Why would they hike the toll rates? I might as well ride the bike," a driver told GMA News reporter Raffy Tima. "Hindi na afford ng motorista (Motorists could no longer afford this)," said another. - LBG, GMANews.TV