CCLEC Defers toll hike

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu Cordova Link Expressway Corporation (CCLEC) has put on hold its application for toll increase for vehicles using the Cebu Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) in deference to the request of Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia.

The governor asked CCLEC president and general manager Allan Alfon during a meeting at the Capitol to defer any toll hike until the Cebu Provincial Government is represented in the Local Toll Regulatory Council (LTRC).

Garcia wants the Capitol to be part in the decision making through a representative in the local toll regulatory body. The TLRC is currently composed of representatives from the Cebu City Government, Municipal Government of Cordova, and from the private sector.

Alfon agreed to Garcia’s request, affirming their commitment to collaborate closely with the provincial government.

“We believe it’s fair pod. Wala ratay problema because we always work with our government partners,” Alfon said.

Garcia pushed for Capitol’s representation in the council, highlighting that a significant portion of CCLEX’s daily users come from Cebu Province, given that only Cebu City and Lapu-Lapu City fall outside the Capitol’s jurisdiction.

Acknowledging the governor’s request, an amendment to the concession agreements with CCLEX has been pushed to guarantee the Province of Cebu an appropriate representation in the LTRC.

Earlier, CCLEC asked the LTRC for a toll increase ranging from P8 to P51 for all vehicles using the CCLEX. In their initial application, CCLEC wants the existing P90 toll for Class 1 vehicles to be increased to P107. For Class 2 vehicles from P180 to P214; and Class 3 vehicles from P270 to P321. CCLEC also wants to raise from P60 to P68 the toll for Class 1M vehicles or motorcycles. — (FREEMAN)