|
ACTING
on orders of President Arroyo, the Philippine National
Construction Corp. has reduced by 10 percent toll-fee
rates in the South Luzon Expressway (Slex) covering the
segment from Alabang to Calamba, Laguna. The order was
supposed to take effect March 9, but announced only
Thursday.
Malacañang said the order is part of government efforts
to share with the public “the benefits of the improving
economic conditions in the country” and to “serve as a
cost cushion to Slex motorists in the wake of rising
global fuel prices.”
The new
rates reflect a reduction to P22 from P24 of the toll
for Class 1 or small vehicles, to P43 from P48 for Class
2 or passenger vehicles and six-wheeler trucks, and to
P65 from P72 for Class 3 vehicles or container tractors
and 10-wheeler trucks.
Transportation Secretary Leandro Mendoza said the
continued strength of the peso against the US dollar
played an important role in the toll reduction.
“We will
continue to provide effective and efficient transport
services that are responsive to the needs of the public.
It is the policy of the DOTC to provide efficient, safe
and cheap transportation to Filipinos in order to
alleviate poverty and accelerate economic development,”
he added.
Malacañang also announced reduced water bills for all
households served by Manila Water Co. Inc. and Maynilad
Water Services Inc. starting April 1, also because of
the appreciation of the peso.
“Due to
the sustained strengthening of the peso, there will be a
downward adjustment in the Foreign Currency Differential
Adjustment [FCDA] effective next month. For Manila
Water, the FCDA downward adjustment
is P0.62 per cubic meter, while for Maynilad, the
adjustment is P0.34,” said Government Corporate counsel
Alberto Agra, who also heads the Manila Waterworks and
Sewerage System (MWSS).
The
adjustment would be on top of the 20-percent discount
earlier given by both concessionaires to households
consuming 10 cubic meters of water or less.
Agra, who had recommended the FCDA adjustment, said in a
statement the MWSS continues to explore other ways of
reducing water rates, as instructed by the President,
including the possibility of extending the life of the
Concession Agreements for 10 years “which if approved
will cause a 40-percent reduction in any water rate
increase.”
“The
other option being reviewed is the expansion of the
service area of MWSS to include the whole
province of
Bulacan.
If Bulacan is fully integrated into Metro Manila, the
consumer base of MWSS will expand, thereby causing a
significant decrease in water bills of all consumers,”
said Agra. |
