The NAGKAISA Labor Coalition slammed the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) for pushing cashless toll collection despite public backlash and system failures.
Under Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) 2024-001, set to take effect on March 15, 2025, motorists without RFID or with insufficient balance will face steep fines.
NAGKAISA chairperson Sonny Matula criticized the policy for burdening workers and provincial drivers while allowing toll operators to collect billions in forced RFID deposits.
He warned that motorists would be forced to preload large sums into RFID accounts, giving toll firms interest-free control over their money.
“This is legalized highway robbery,” Matula said, questioning the refusal of cash payments and its impact on the peso’s status as legal tender.
NAGKAISA also slammed excessive penalties, citing a P500 fine for a P5 balance shortage. “Even credit card companies don’t impose such outrageous rates,” Matula said.
He also noted RFID system issues, including incorrect balance displays and unrecorded payments, yet only motorists face penalties.
The coalition urged the TRB to audit RFID devices before implementation and proposed practical alternatives, such as on-site RFID registration, cash payment options and a grace period for reloading.
NAGKAISA asked President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to suspend the policy, calling for fairness and transparency.
“Motorists should not be punished for the government’s failure to ensure a functional toll system,” Matula said.
