SMC waives road toll for COVID-19 frontliners

San Miguel Corp. (SMC) is waiving toll on all its expressways for medical frontliners working to save lives amid the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis.

The company said that for the duration of the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine, the use of the following toll roads will be free for all health care professionals: STAR Tollway, South Luzon Expressway (SLEx), Skyway, Naiax and the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEx)

“This is the least we can do to show our appreciation and gratitude for our doctors and nurses who are working under extremely challenging circumstances to save lives. Considering the sacrifices they make on a daily basis, this is a small gesture. But nevertheless, we hope it helps make life a bit easier for them, and remind them that what they do for all us is deeply appreciated,” SMC president Ramon Ang said.

Special stickers

To avail of the toll-free privilege, medical personnel need to secure a special radio-frequency identification (RFID) sticker from SMC Tollways, or have their existing RFID sticker converted.

They may do so at temporary booths set up by the company, initially at Shell Magallanes gas station and Naiax toll gate, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Medical practitioners only need to present their Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) license card. An SMC tollway personnel will install the toll-free RFID stickers on their vehicles or convert their existing stickers to toll-free stickers.

The company said it will make the toll-free RFID stickers available at other major locations soon.

Earlier, SMC also announced the opening of priority lanes on SLEx to help ensure the unimpeded flow of essential goods, such as medical supplies and equipment as well as food and raw materials for food.

The company is also undertaking a massive, nationwide effort to provide free rubbing alcohol to medical practitioners in hospitals as well as other vital agencies and institutions. It is also distributing food donations to vulnerable communities affected by the quarantine, as well as hospitals all over Metro Manila.