SMC provides free toll to medical frontliners

San Miguel Corporation (SMC) has provided free toll services to approximately 2,000 medical frontliners on its expressways, including STARtollway, SLEX, Skyway, NAIAX, and TPLEX, as a gesture of support during the enhanced community quarantine.

The toll operator reported an 80% decrease in vehicle volume across its expressways in the first two weeks of the quarantine, highlighting the reduced essential travel.

Only vehicles carrying essential goods and services are currently permitted on most roads, including those operated by SMC.

SMC has also implemented priority lanes for medical practitioners and vehicles transporting essential supplies to ensure efficiency.

SMC President Ramon S. Ang emphasized the commitment to keeping toll roads operational for the supply chain of essential goods.

Ang stated that the free toll initiative aims to support medical frontliners and the government, and to encourage other businesses to contribute to the fight against COVID-19.

He acknowledged that this gesture is small compared to the sacrifices of doctors and nurses but serves as a way to support them.

SMC Infrastructure will continue to support the PNP and AFP in enforcing the Luzon-wide quarantine while ensuring the smooth transit of essential goods and personnel.

Ang stressed that the company's priority is saving lives over business profits, as a healthy population is crucial for recovery, and lost lives cannot be regained.