Thousands of truck drivers convene in a peaceful display of resistance against the recent toll fee augmentation on the North Luzon Expressway.
MANILA – On Wednesday, a crowd estimated in the thousands, consisting primarily of truck drivers, gathered in a peaceful demonstration against the recently implemented toll fee hike on the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX). The protest, centered in the heart of Manila, marks a significant juncture in the ongoing dispute between the road freight industry and toll regulators.
The NLEX toll increase, which took effect earlier this month, has drawn criticism from various transport and logistics stakeholders, claiming that the hike imposes an undue burden on their operations. Protestors argue that the fee augmentation will inevitably lead to an increase in costs for consumers and businesses alike.
Alberto Gomez, the spokesperson for the Manila Truckers Association (MTA), stood in solidarity with the protestors, asserting, “This toll increase is unsustainable for our sector. The added costs will directly affect the prices of goods, consequently burdening the ordinary consumers.”
The protest remained peaceful throughout the day, with organizers emphasizing their goal was not to disrupt the flow of traffic but to highlight the gravity of their concerns. However, the sheer number of protestors led to minor traffic delays around the city.
Despite these challenges, Gomez expressed hope for constructive dialogue with the government and toll regulators. “We are hopeful that the authorities will reconsider their decision after seeing the unity and strength of our protest. We are committed to finding a solution that works for all parties involved,” he said.
Government officials and representatives from the Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation, the operator of NLEX, have yet to release a statement about the protest or any possible reconsideration of the toll hike.
As Manila grapples with the repercussions of this protest, it is clear that the toll fee increase and its effects on the transport sector remain an issue of national importance. The resolution of this dispute will be pivotal in shaping the future of the city’s logistics and transportation industry.
As the sun set on Manila, the sea of truckers began to disperse, but not before making it clear that their fight against the toll hike is far from over. “We won’t back down,” Gomez stated, “this is just the beginning.”