SMC waives toll fees for gov't vehicles in Typhoon Uwan response

San Miguel Corporation (SMC), through its infrastructure arm, has waived tolls for marked government vehicles involved in relief and recovery efforts in areas affected by Typhoon Uwan, following President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure the unhindered movement of government responders across Luzon.

SMC Chairman and CEO, Ramon S. Ang, said the company’s toll operations teams are coordinating closely with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) to implement the President’s order.

“Our priority is to make sure responders reach affected communities as quickly as possible,” Ang stated. “We have always supported the government during calamities. It is our responsibility to help ensure aid reaches those in need.”

SMC reported that tollway personnel have been deployed across its expressways to assist emergency convoys and guarantee their safe, uninterrupted passage.

The company operates over 200 kilometers of expressways in Luzon, including the Skyway System, South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), STAR Tollway, Tarlac–Pangasinan–La Union Expressway (TPLEX), and NAIA Expressway.

Ahead of Typhoon Uwan’s landfall, maintenance crews inspected and cleared drainage systems, secured roadside signage and billboards, and prepositioned quick-response teams and heavy equipment in flood-prone areas to keep expressways passable.

Motorists are reminded to observe traffic rules and speed limits and to exercise extra caution during inclement weather.

During the pandemic, SMC also waived over PHP 230 million in toll fees for medical frontliners across all its expressways, demonstrating its continued support for essential services in times of crisis.