DIVERSIFIED conglomerate San Miguel Corp. (SMC) said on Monday that waived toll fees for frontline workers have reached over P138 million as of Sunday, nine months since the company implemented the policy to help combat Covid-19.
Ramon S. Ang, the company’s president, said the program will remain in place, as part of the company’s efforts to help curb the spread of the deadly virus.
“It has been nine months since we started this program. And while our situation these days may be a little different since we have less restrictions, make no mistake: We are still in a pandemic, and our medical practitioners have not stopped fighting. They are still battling Covid-19 and sacrificing so much to save lives. That is why we have also not stopped showing our appreciation for them” Ang said.
The free toll will be extended indefinitely.
“This year has been quite difficult for our country, and for all of us Filipinos. Through it all, our frontliners have worked tirelessly and selflessly to save lives and help contain this virus. This Christmas season especially, let us be reminded that they are a gift and a blessing to all of us,” Ang added.
Company data showed that “a total of 10,402 medical frontline workers, including doctors, nurses, and laboratory technicians, among others, continue to enjoy the special privilege.” They were given special toll-free RFID tags that allow them free pass on all expressways operated by SMC, namely: the Skyway System, the South Luzon Expressway (Slex), the Naia Expressway (Naiax), the Star Tollways, and the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (Tplex).
“We are glad that every day for the past nine months, when our medical front liners go through our toll plazas, whether at Star, Slex, Skyway, Naiax, or Tplex, they can be reminded of our gratitude for their efforts and sacrifices,” Ang said.