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Sotto says 'RFID to all a bad idea'; Senate calls DOTr to hearing

Philippines | National

Sotto says 'RFID to all a bad idea'; Senate calls DOTr to hearing

By Vanne Elaine Terrazola

Senate President Vicente Sotto III on Friday criticized the cashless payment system being implemented on expressways.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III (Photo by Senate PRIB)

"RFID to all is really a bad idea! Silly, to say the least!" Sotto tweeted.

The Senate chief said he understands the experience of motorists who had to go through slow traffic and problems in the contactless payment policy using the radio frequency identification (RFID) technology.

"I drive my car daily. I know the experiences encountered daily," Sotto said in a separate text message.

"I do not use bodyguards, escorts or driver. I know what the public is suffering from. I’m only escorted when I go to Malacañang. Now, all toll gates are cramped."

"They should have prepared for it before they implemented the proposal," Sotto lamented.

Several public officials and motorists have complained about the poor implementation of the cashless payment system earlier imposed by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to lessen physical interaction and prevent COVID-19 transmission.

The Valenzuela local government was even prompted to suspend the business permit of the operator of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) for the glitches in its electronic toll system, which resulted in the congestion of the highway.

The Senate Public Services Committee will summon DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade to address complaints about their agency's "ill-studied order".

Senator Grace Poe, committee chairperson, on Thursday called for the suspension of its full implementation, saying the DOTr should have consulted first its stakeholders.

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