Senator Aquilino ‘Koko’ Pimentel on Tuesday called on the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) and North Luzon Express Corporation to defer the implementation of the provisional increase in toll rates in the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX).

In a statement, he cited that the hike in toll rates should be postponed as this will place a burden on the shoulders of Filipinos who are presently grappling with the impact of the high prices of goods.

“I appeal for some considerations and reprieve on the proposed increased toll rates. Our people are grappling with the effects of inflation and, therefore, implementing a toll increase would exacerbate their economic hardships," Pimentel said.

The Senator also said the toll increase should be halted considering that the traffic congestion continues to worsen on NLEX.

"Any increase at this point would be unjustifiable and unfair to the motorists who have to deal with sometimes EDSA-like traffic on the expressway, specifically from Balintawak and Meycauayan,” he pointed out.

Pimentel then called the management of NLEX to address the persisting and recurring traffic conditions.

"To approve a provisional increase in light of these serious traffic concerns and the worsening inflation in the country is a disservice to the Filipino people," the Senator further said.

Last week, the NLEX Corporation announced that it would be implementing higher toll rates after the TRB approved its plea.

Based on the new rate adjustments, class 1 vehicles, including regular cars and sport utility vehicles (SUVs), will have to pay an extra ₱7.

Meanwhile, an additional ₱17 will be imposed for Class 2 vehicles such as buses and small trucks, and ₱19 increase for Class 3 vehicles like large trucks.