Gov’t. agencies, toll companies to roll out rebate program for agri-trucks

Various government agencies and toll companies will launch a rebate program for trucks transporting agricultural goods.

According to the involved parties, the said rebate initiative — which will take effect on June 1, 2024 — will be implemented to help curb the impacts of the existing inflationary situation by providing agri-trucks with toll rebates equivalent to the recent toll increases.

“This program aims to protect the welfare of the general public by minimizing the impact of toll rate increase on the overall inflationary situation to ensure the stability of food prices. The TRB (Toll Regulatory Board), together with the different government agencies, acknowledges the toll expressway concessionaires and operators for their full support and cooperation as this would not be possible if they did not agree to implement this exemption,” TRB Executive Director Attorney Alvin Carullo said.

Taking part in the program are the TRB, Department of Finance, Department of Transportation, and Department of Agriculture (DA). Alongside them are the concessionaires and operators of the Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX), North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway, Muntinlupa-Cavite Expressway, and South Luzon Expressway.

Qualifying for the said rebate program requires trucks to be accredited by the DA and to have valid Autosweep and/or Easytrip radio-frequency identification (RFID) accounts. The DA Accreditation Certificate as well as their Autosweep and/or Easytrip cards should be presented alongside the Official Receipt and Certificate of Registration of the vehicle and a valid ID to the receiving offices below:

• NLEX Balintawak Customer Service Center
• CAVITEX Paranaque Customer Service Center

They should also complete the Agricultural Trucks Toll Fee Increase Exemption Form — also to be submitted to the abovementioned customer service centers.

Applicants will undergo a seven-day verification process. The result of which will be forwarded by the Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation to their nominated e-mail addresses.

Once approved, the agri-trucks will get to enjoy a toll rebate that will be credited to their RFID accounts every Wednesday.

To prevent abuse of the said program, spot checks will be conducted to ensure enrolled trucks are transporting only agricultural products. Non-compliant trucks may be disqualified from the program.

The government and toll firms’ agri-truck rebate program will be implemented for three months and will be treated as a pilot project. Depending on the evaluation of the involved parties, the initiative might be extended.

Photos from Juan Paulo Papa

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