Amid rising petroleum prices, a proposal has been filed in the House of Representatives seeking a 50-percent discount on toll fees across major expressways in the country.

House Resolution 879, filed by Manila 2nd District Representative Rolando Valeriano, urges President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to declare a “State of Imminent Disaster” due to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.

The resolution also calls for an executive order directing the Toll Regulatory Board to convene with toll operators and concessionaires to implement the measure.

Valeriano emphasized that a toll fee discount would help alleviate the financial burden on motorists, particularly as fuel prices continue to climb. He said that even if just the toll fees are reduced, it will lessen the expenses of the public

The lawmaker added that the measure would benefit not only private motorists but also the transportation sector, including delivery services and cargo haulers, helping ensure that goods and products continue to move efficiently despite rising costs.

Valeriano suggested that the discount remain in effect until December or as long as fuel prices stay high due to the Middle East crisis.