The NAGKAISA Labor Coalition has welcomed the suspension of the mandatory cashless toll collection system, citing its unfair impact on low-income motorists.
“This is a win for our advocacy and will benefit workers and motorists who will be burdened by an anti-poor policy. We commend Transport Secretary Vince Dizon for recognizing the unfairness and taking action,” said Atty. Sonny Matula, NAGKAISA chairperson and senatorial candidate under the Workers’ and Peasants’ Party (WPP).
Matula, who is also the president of the Federation of Free Workers (FFW), questioned the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) for expressing strong support for the policy.
“Are TRB officials allowing themselves to be used for the benefit of greedy toll operators? Why is TRB prioritizing their profits over motorists’ rights?” he asked.
Nagkaisa and the FFW called on the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the TRB to ensure that cash remains an option for toll payments.
The labor coalition likewise urged both government agencies to put a stop on excessive penalties for insufficient RFID balance and to refrain from holding toll operators accountable for system failures.
“Suspending the policy is just the first step. We need long-term reforms to protect motorists from unfair toll practices,” Matula concluded.
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