Wazzup Pilipinas!?
In his first major move as the newly appointed Secretary of the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Vince Dizon has ordered the suspension of the planned full cashless toll collection system on expressways. This decision comes after the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) initially mandated that, starting March 15, 2025, all vehicles passing through expressways must be equipped with a Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) tag or face penalties.
The Argument Against Full Cashless Toll Collection
Dizon cited numerous issues with the current RFID system, including faulty scanners, barriers that fail to lift even with a fully loaded RFID account, and overcharging incidents. More importantly, he emphasized that forcing all motorists to go cashless is "anti-poor," particularly for those who do not frequently travel on toll roads and might struggle with reloading their RFID accounts.
The move to suspend the full cashless policy has garnered mixed reactions. Many motorists expressed relief, arguing that a hybrid system—where both cash and RFID lanes are available—is the most practical solution. Some believe that the rush to go fully cashless benefits RFID providers more than the commuters, raising suspicions of financial incentives behind TRB’s push for the policy.
Calls for Modernization Instead of Suspension
While many support Dizon’s decision, others argue that instead of halting cashless transactions altogether, the government should focus on improving the existing system. The Philippine Exporters Confederation (PhilExport), for instance, has proposed replacing the outdated RFID technology with an Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system, which would link directly to electronic payment options such as credit and debit cards. This method is already in use in many developed countries and could address the inefficiencies of the current system.
Meanwhile, the NAGKAISA Labor Coalition has criticized the TRB for its insistence on pushing the cashless policy despite public complaints. They argue that without a proper technological upgrade, forcing motorists into an unreliable system only adds unnecessary burdens.
Is the Decision Political?
Some observers question whether this sudden policy change is politically motivated, especially with the upcoming elections. Critics argue that if affordability is the concern, then RFIDs should be distributed for free, and toll fees should be the primary focus instead of payment methods. Others point out that the real anti-poor issue is the worsening traffic congestion and lack of viable public transportation alternatives, which force Filipinos to rely on expensive toll roads.
The Road Ahead: Finding a Balanced Solution
While the suspension of full cashless toll collection is seen as a win for many motorists, it also highlights deeper issues in the country’s transportation system. The key question now is: What comes next? Should the DOTr and TRB work toward refining the cashless system rather than scrapping it? Should they introduce a better, corruption-free toll collection technology? Or should they focus on improving traffic conditions so that fewer Filipinos need to rely on expressways in the first place?
One thing is certain—motorists want a system that is efficient, fair, and reliable. Whether the government will deliver remains to be seen.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
