MANILA, Philippines – Motorists using the Manila-Cavite Expressway (Cavitex) have to pay more starting Monday, August 21, 2023, as the toll operator implements a rate adjustment approved by the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB).

According to Cavitex Infrastructure Corporation (CIC), the new toll rates are part of the 2017 petition filed by CIC and its joint venture partner, the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA), which allows for periodic adjustments every three years.

The new rates are as follows:

  • Cavitex R1 (Parañaque Toll Plaza)
    • Class 1 – P35.00 (from P33.00)
    • Class 2 – P70.00 (from P67.00)
    • Class 3- P104.00 (from P100.00)
  • Cavitex R1 Extension (Kawit Toll Plaza)
    • Class 1 – P73.00 (from P64.00)
    • Class 2 – P146.00 (from P129.00)
    • Class 3- P219.00 (from P194.00)

CIC said the toll hike will help in maintaining a safe and high-quality expressway for the motorists. It also said it will reactivate the Abante Card program for Class 1 and Class 2 public utility vehicle drivers and operators, which will allow them to enjoy the old toll rates for a period of three months through a rebate program.

The toll hike comes amid a series of oil price hikes that have pushed fuel prices to record highs in recent weeks. The Department of Energy said the average price of gasoline in Metro Manila as of August 17 was P62.05 per liter, while diesel was P49.60 per liter.

Some motorists expressed dismay over the timing of the toll hike, saying it will add to their burden especially during the pandemic.

“Nakakaawa naman kami na mga motorista na nagbabayad ng toll fee tapos tataas pa ang presyo ng gasolina. Hindi naman tumataas ang sahod namin,” said Jun Santos, a driver from Cavite.

(We pity ourselves as motorists who pay toll fees and then the price of gasoline will increase. Our salaries are not increasing.)

“Ang hirap na nga ng buhay ngayon dahil sa COVID-19 tapos dagdag gastos pa ito. Sana naman magkaroon ng konsiderasyon ang gobyerno at ang mga toll operator,” said Liza Reyes, a commuter from Parañaque.

(Life is already hard nowadays because of COVID-19 and this is an additional expense. I hope the government and the toll operators will have some consideration.)

TRB said it approved the toll hike months before and based on the concession agreement between CIC and the government. It also said it will monitor the implementation of the toll hike and ensure that there will be no glitches or complaints from the motorists.