Palace urges motorists to avoid NLEX amid severe flooding gridlock

Manila — The Philippine Palace on Tuesday recommended that motorists avoid the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) in the wake of severe flooding that left numerous vehicles stranded along multiple sections of the major north-south corridor.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro announced the advisory at a media briefing, effectively discouraging unnecessary travel on the expressway until conditions improve. The flooding disrupted normal traffic flow and created significant delays for commuters and freight operators relying on the vital transportation link.

Castro addressed ongoing proposals from various stakeholders to temporarily suspend toll collection on NLEX as a relief measure during the crisis. The Palace dismissed the suggestion, arguing that waiving fees could paradoxically worsen congestion by encouraging more vehicles onto an already overwhelmed network.

The advisory underscores ongoing infrastructure challenges facing the Manila metropolitan area during heavy rainfall periods. Authorities continue monitoring conditions on NLEX, which connects the capital to provinces in Central Luzon and serves as a crucial economic corridor for the region.