Politics · Philippines Bureau
Villanueva urges NLEx to refund tolls for flood-stranded motorists
A Philippine senator has called on North Luzon Expressway management to waive or refund toll charges for drivers trapped for hours during severe flooding in Pampanga. The demand comes amid broader calls for improved emergency protocols on the major highway.
LSN Philippines ·
Sen. Joel Villanueva pressed the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx) management on Tuesday to compensate motorists who paid toll fees while stranded during extensive flooding in San Simon, Pampanga.
During his privilege speech in the Senate, Villanueva advocated for either toll waivers or refunds for affected drivers who endured extended delays as floodwaters inundated sections of the expressway. The senator emphasized the unfairness of charging motorists for toll passage when they were unable to proceed due to weather-related obstacles beyond their control.
The call highlights recurring concerns about highway operations during natural disasters and the financial burden placed on commuters in such circumstances. Villanueva's intervention underscores the need for clearer protocols and adequate funding mechanisms to address emergencies that impact major transportation corridors in the region.
NLEx officials have yet to issue a formal response to the senator's directive regarding potential compensation for stranded motorists affected by the flooding incident.