MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang announced waiving the toll fees at the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx) to ease the burden of motorists trapped in a traffic jam as some areas remained submerged in floodwaters caused by persistent rains.
"Free toll on NLEX for all vehicles [will be implemented]," Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said on Wednesday during a press briefing.
"This is in accordance with the order of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to help motorists and passengers stranded in traffic on NLEx due to flooding at the Tulaok bridge in San Simon, Pampanga," Castro said in Filipino.
She said acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said that starting Sept. 2, 2026, the toll will be free for vehicles coming from Pulilan, Bulacan to San Fernando, Pampanga, and vice versa.
"The free toll fee will continue until the situation on NLEx returns to normal," the Palace press officer said.
She said Lopez thanked all toll operators who continued to provide free toll for provincial buses and vehicles delivering agricultural products.
"Following this, the DOTr (Department of Transportation) and Toll Regulatory Board ordered NLEx Corporation to provide food and drinks, and to set up portable toilets for motorists caught in heavy traffic," Castro added.
