President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., has directed toll operators to grant free passage to vehicles transporting agricultural products. The move is part of the government’s response to the ongoing crisis linked to the US-led conflict in the Middle East, aimed at helping stabilize food prices.

“Ang utos sa atin ng Pangulo, dapat tuloy-tuloy ang pag-transport ng pagkain para matiyak na stable ang presyo ng pangunahing pagkain para masiguro na abot-kaya pa rin ito para sa ating mga kababayan,” said Transportation Secretary, Giovanni “Banoy” Lopez.

(The President has instructed us to ensure the continuous transport of food to keep the prices of basic goods stable and make sure these remain affordable for our fellow citizens.)

Free toll, but…

While toll concessionaires are expected to support the directive, the benefit will not be automatic and will come with specific conditions.

Vehicles transporting agricultural products must first be accredited by the Department of Agriculture (DA) and must be equipped with an RFID to qualify. Savings are capped at around PHP 600 to PHP 1,800, depending on the vehicle class. The program will also follow a rebate scheme, meaning qualified vehicles must maintain sufficient RFID load, with the amount later credited back to their accounts on a weekly basis.

The toll exemption will be implemented initially for one month, which is extendable subject to the review, assessment, and further discussions among the DA, Department of Transportation (DOTr), Toll Regulatory Board (TRB), and toll operators.