By: Reigh John Bench Almendras
Transportation vehicles become toll-free after President "Bong-bong" Marcos, Jr. signs an executive order. Photo courtesy of PhilStar.
President Marcos Jr. suspends Local Government Unit (LGU) toll collections on all motor vehicles transporting goods in an issued Executive Order (EO) promulgated through the Official Gazette late Thursday night, September 28, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin.
"All LGUs are prohibited from collecting toll fees and charges upon all motor vehicles transporting goods or merchandise, while passing through any national roads and such other roads not constructed and funded by LGUs pursuant to Section 155 of Republic Act (RA) No. 7160," the EO stated.
LGUs are also encouraged to completely lift the imposition of toll fees.
"In the interest of the public welfare, all LGUs are further strongly urged to suspend or discontinue the collection of fees, such as but not limited to, sticker fees, discharging fees, delivery fees, market fees, toll fees, entry fees, or Mayor's Permit fees, that are imposed upon all motor vehicles transporting goods and passing through any local public roads constructed and funded by said LGUs," the EO further stated.
The EO shall be effective for thirty days. LGUs are encouraged to re-examine and consider the complete lifting of the imposition of toll fees during the period.
The Marcos administration expects the EO to restrengthen the trade industry of the country.