Manila: The Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) announced on Monday that the planned toll collection on the C5 Link Expressway will be postponed. This decision comes amid ongoing inter-agency discussions concerning the heightened fuel costs and the declared state of national energy emergency.

According to Philippines News Agency, the PRA emphasized that the Notice to Start Collection (NTSC) from the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) for Segment 3B of the Manila-Cavite Toll Expressway (MCTEP) is contingent upon the conclusions reached by the project committee under the joint venture agreement. The agency stated that the implementation timing of the NTSC would align with the deliberations and agreements made by the MCTEP Project Committee.

The PRA further clarified that no new toll fees will be introduced on May 5, as ongoing discussions between the PRA, PEA Tollway Corporation (PEATC), and Cavitex Infrastructure Corporation (CIC) continue. Inspections are currently underway to ensure that all remaining 'punch list' items are addressed following the Certificate of Substantial Completion, Road Safety Audit, and Site Acceptance Test before toll collection begins.

The PRA highlighted that the delay aims to provide sufficient time for stakeholders to agree on a suitable rollout schedule, thereby minimizing any potential issues that could impact motorists.