MANILA – Malacañang warned that similar incidents such as the NLEX Corp. and the Valenzuela City government row over the radio-frequency identification (RFID) mess might discourage future investors.
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. said while local government units (LGUs) have the authority on the issuance and suspension of business permits, there must be “balance” in dealing with issues.
“Hindi naman po natin pupwede ipagkait sa mga lokal na pamahalaan ‘yung kanilang hurisdiksyon na mag-issue ng business permits,” Roque said during his virtual press conference.
“But kinakailangan din nilang isipin na babalansehin natin ito dahil iyong mga proyekto na kagaya ng expressways na dinivelop po ng mga pribadong sector ay baka mamaya ay ma-turn off ang mga future investors kung palaging mangyayari ito,” he added.
NLEX Corp.’s business permit was suspended by the Valenzuela City government on Monday due to the unresolved issues on the RFID.
Valenzuela City Mayor Rex Gatchalian said the duration of the suspension of the business permit would depend on how soon the company will act on the complaints against them.
NLEX said the mandated 100 percent cashless toll implementation has experienced “birth pains” that unfortunately resulted to technical problems in some instances and massive traffic gridlock in the area, with Valenzuela being the worst affected city.
The Palace spokesperson, however, reiterated the stance of the Toll Regulatory Board, which is under the executive branch.
According to Roque, tollway operators must replace old and defective sensors to speed up traffic, and relocate and reposition RFID installation and reloading lanes.
“Operators must also ensure the maintenance and upgrade of their systems software, enhance traffic management and improve customer service among others,” Roque added./PN
