24 Oras video: SLEX toll hike to push through on August 16

24 Oras reports that the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) toll hike will take effect on August 16, 10 p.m. Aside from the 12 percent value added tax (VAT) imposed by the Bureau of Internal Revenue, the toll rates will increase by 250 percent.

The new SLEX toll rates according to 24 Oras:
Class 1 (cars, jeeps and vans) - P85 (from P22)
Class 2 (buses) - P170 (from P43)
Class 3 (trucks) - P255 (from P65)

The 12 percent VAT will also be added to the toll rates of other expressways, including the North Luzon Expressway, Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway, Manila-Cavite Toll Expressway, Metro Manila Skyway Project and Star Tollway, reports Manila Standard Today.

Following the SLEX toll hike, transportation fare will also significantly increase, George San Mateo, secretary general of the transport group Pinag-isang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (Piston), told 24 Oras.

Toll Regulatory Board Spokesperson Julius Corpuz told 24 Oras that the government would be charged with a breach of contract if the SLEX toll hike would not push through, unless the Court of Tax Appeals would issue a temporary restraining order (TRO) on the increase. He said SLEX investors need to see a return on their investment.

The implementation of the SLEX toll increase had been delayed twice in deference to the new administration of Pres. Noynoy Aquino, according to Manila Bulletin. It was also postponed several times under the previous administration of former Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo due to opposition from toll operators and expressway users, according to Manila Standard Today.

For more on this story, log on to GMANews.tv and Manila Standard Today.