The Cavite Infrastructure Corporation (CIC), led by President and General Manager Raul L. Ignacio, will implement a 30-day toll holiday on all exits of the Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX), supporting the Toll Regulatory Board’s (TRB) recent decision. This initiative aims to alleviate the financial burden on motorists due to increasing fuel prices and inflation.
The TRB’s decision came after thorough consultations with CIC and its joint venture partner, the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA). This toll holiday also aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive, which he announced at the inauguration of the CAVITEX C5 Link Segment 2.
“We are committed to implementing TRB’s decision, which aligns with the President’s directive. The decision was made after careful consideration of all necessary details and systems preparations,” said Ignacio. “We appreciate TRB’s due diligence in this process.”
The toll-free policy covers exits in Kawit, Parañaque, the C5 Link segment (Merville and Taguig exits), and the newly inaugurated Segment 2 (Sucat Interchange). While this will lead to significant revenue losses, Ignacio emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting motorists.
Addressing criticisms of TRB’s delay in issuing the directive, Ignacio commended their thorough approach. “Major decisions like this require careful deliberation and should not be rushed,” he noted.
As the private developer, builder, and financier of CAVITEX, CIC operates in partnership with PRA under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) agreement. Industry advocates underscore the importance of prior consultation among partners to maintain goodwill and ensure successful project outcomes. They also emphasize the essential role of regulators like TRB in ensuring the long-term viability of PPP investments and protecting stakeholder interests, particularly motorists and riders.
