The government is not yet mulling sanctions against the management of the North Luzon Expressway over the floods that prolonged the travel time of thousands of motorists in recent days, Malacañang said on Tuesday.
This is because the government’s priority is to help stranded motorists and passengers, said Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace press officer Claire Castro.
Castro said the NLEX woes were discussed during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s meeting with Cabinet officials on Monday.
“Hindi napag-usapan kung anumang sanction. Ang nasa proposal po ng Pangulo ay paano po matutulungan iyong mga naipit nating mga kababayan sa NLEX,” she said.
She made the remarks when asked if Marcos would order the Toll Regulatory Board to slap sanctions on the NLEX Corporation.
The floods along NLEX, especially in the Tulaoc area of San Simon and near the San Simon Interchange in Pampanga, has been causing hours-long traffic jams.
The President wants to immediately ease the plight of motorists.
“Hindi po sa ngayon ang pag-sanction ang inuuna ng Pangulo, kung hindi ang kaginhawaan ng ating mga motorista,” Castro said.
She also advised motorists to avoid using the NLEX for now since it is impassable due to floods.
“Bakit ka pa papasok kung trapik na. Huwag na muna kayong dumaan doon, kasi kung hindi naman siya makakalusot, so ano ang purpose ng libre?” Castro pointed out.
On Monday evening, NLEX management began diverting northbound vehicles away from the flooded expressway.