Bayan Muna Chairman Neri Colmenares has strongly criticized the planned imposition of fines on motorists using expressways without a valid RFID device and sufficient load balance, calling it a form of highway robbery that the Marcos administration must halt immediately.
“Hindi naman nila inaayos ang mga sira sa NLEX tapos dadagdagan ang multa at maghihigpit pa,” said the former Bayan Muna solon.
The new regulation, set to take effect on August 31, 2024, is part of Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2024-001, signed by the Department of Transportation, Land Transportation Office, and Toll Regulatory Board. The regulation aims to streamline toll collection and improve traffic flow on expressways by mandating RFID usage.
“This punitive measure is anti-people and further burdens motorists who are already struggling with the rising costs of transportation,” Colmenares stated. “Imposing fines on top of recent toll hikes on SLEX is nothing short of highway robbery.”
Colmenares emphasized that while the initiative claims to promote efficiency, it neglects the socio-economic realities faced by many Filipinos. “The government should focus on ensuring equitable access to transportation and not penalize those who are yet to adapt to RFID technology due to financial constraints.”
“We demand the Marcos administration reconsider and scrap this oppressive policy. The focus should be on providing affordable and accessible solutions, not on imposing punitive fines,” he added.
Bayan Muna calls on the government to prioritize the welfare of the Filipino people and ensure policies do not exacerbate their daily struggles.
