DA seeks wider tollway support for agricultural truck rebate program

Author: DA Press Office | 15 October 2026

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is seeking broader support from tollway operators for a rebate program covering trucks transporting agricultural products, as the government moves to cushion the farm sector and consumers from rising fuel costs.

Agriculture Undersecretary Arrey Perez said the DA is awaiting confirmation from San Miguel Corp. and other tollway operators, including those associated with the Villar group, on their participation in the program.

Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC), meanwhile, has reinstated toll rebates across its network.

Perez said discussions must extend beyond San Miguel to other operators to expand the program's reach.

The DA is also updating its registry of eligible agricultural truckers and delivery vehicles to ensure that only qualified beneficiaries receive the rebates.

Perez said operators would need to update their information as the agency cleans up its list before submitting the roster of qualified beneficiaries to the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB).

MPTC, through NLEX Corp., Cavitex Infrastructure Corp., and MPCALA Holdings Inc., confirmed in an Oct. 9 letter to the TRB that it had reinstated the toll rebate program effective Oct. 1.

The program will remain in effect until Nov. 30, 2026, with rebates for qualified transactions already being credited to eligible subscribers' accounts as of Oct. 8.

The program covers eligible trucks and cargo vehicles transporting agricultural products and other goods accredited by the DA. Instead of receiving an upfront discount at toll plazas, qualified vehicles pay the regular toll, after which the rebate is credited to their radio frequency identification (RFID) accounts.

The arrangement provides an estimated rebate of 7 percent to 8 percent, with credits issued after the transaction period.

Under the published rates, a Class 1 vehicle traveling between Tipo and Balintawak, or vice versa, pays P61 under the rebate arrangement, compared with the regular toll fee of P772. Class 2 vehicles pay P134 instead of P1,745, while Class 3 vehicles pay P184 instead of P2,315.

For the Tarlac-Balintawak route, the corresponding rates are P43 for Class 1 vehicles, P99 for Class 2 vehicles, and P131 for Class 3 vehicles, compared with regular toll fees of P585, P1,348, and P1,754, respectively.

The substantial reductions could help ease transportation costs for qualified operators and, in turn, help stabilize the distribution costs of agricultural commodities.

However, the benefits will depend on eligibility requirements, accurate registration, and the timely crediting of rebates.

MPTC has also reiterated concerns about the financial impact of continuing toll discounts and exemptions on tollway revenues, operations, and investment obligations under its concession agreements. The company said its participation reflects its recognition of the government's efforts to mitigate the fuel crisis, while reserving its contractual rights.

Expanding the program to other tollway networks would increase the number of potentially eligible beneficiaries. Its overall impact, however, will depend on the participation of other operators and the DA's ability to maintain an accurate and verified registry.

The DA, through the Department of Transportation and the TRB, first approached tollway operators in September to seek toll holidays for agricultural truckers.

"DA sought toll discounts for agri truckers to help curb food inflation," Perez said. ### (By DA - OSEC Comms)