Gaite criticizes NLEx toll hike as 'anti-people measure'

Former Bayan Muna Representative Ferdinand Gaite criticized the recent increase in North Luzon Expressway (NLEx) toll fees, calling it an 'anti-people measure' that worsens inflation and burdens Filipinos.

Gaite warned that higher tolls would lead to increased prices for goods originating from provinces north of Metro Manila and could be passed on to consumers already struggling financially.

The new toll rates range from P79 for Class 1 vehicles to P416 for end-to-end travel in the open system, with substantial increases for trucks and delivery vehicles.

Gaite highlighted the irony that while NLEx quickly raises fees, workers often struggle with delayed or blocked wage increases like the P200 wage increase already passed in Congress.

He urged the Marcos administration to suspend the toll hike, arguing it will significantly impact transportation costs and further burden consumers already struggling financially.

The additional P142 for buses and small trucks and P171 for large trucks for end-to-end travel will affect the cost of transporting goods and people, making basic commodities from Central and Northern Luzon more expensive in Metro Manila and vice versa.