By HENRY EMPEÑO | March 18, 2026

SUBIC, Zambales — Zambales 1^st District Representative and House Deputy Speaker Jay Khonghun has filed a bill seeking the reduction of tollway fees by as much as 70 percent, as the government sought measures to reduce the impact of surging oil prices on affected sectors.

House Bill No. 8652, or the “Tollway Fee Reduction Act,” filed by Khonghun today, March 18, seeks to provide “immediate and sustained relief” to motorists through a phased reduction of tollway fees that would culminate in a 70 percent decrease within five years.

Under this proposal, there will be a 50 percent cut in toll fees in the first year of implementation, followed by a 20 percent reduction in the succeeding year.

The proposal covers Class 3 vehicles transporting essential goods and commodities, public utility vehicles engaged in passenger transport, and vehicles traveling during off-peak hours.

Khonghun said the measure aims to provide immediate relief and a long-term solution to rising transportation costs, amid surging oil and fuel prices caused by ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

“Motorists, commuters, and logistics operators bear the brunt of (rising fuel prices), as tollway fees add significantly to the overall expense of moving goods and passengers,” the solon explained. “The combined effect of high fuel prices and toll charges exacerbate inflation, reduces economic mobility, and undermines the general welfare.”

He added that sectors involved in transporting goods and people should be prioritized to fully realize the benefits of the toll fee cut.

Khonghun’s proposal came in the wake of pronouncements by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Tuesday that the government is considering reduction in port fees, aviation charges, and toll discounts to ease the impact of surging fuel prices.

DOTr Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez said Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directed the agency to consider measures to help reduce operating costs and lower fares and prices of goods.

Last Monday, Manila 2^nd District Rep. Rolando Valeriano also filed House Resolution No. 879, urging the government to impose a 50-percent reduction on tollway fees.

He said the proposed toll discount would be effective as long as oil prices remain above $80 per barrel.

Valeriano also filed House Bill No. 8516, which provides for the automatic suspension of toll fees once the average crude oil monthly price of internationally recognized benchmark reaches or exceeds $80 per barrel. ▲