The Toll Regulatory Board has denied issuing a directive to close Skyway Stage 3, contradicting an earlier announcement made by the San Miguel Corporation (SMC).
In a statement on Tuesday, March 16, the TRB emphasized that it did not issue a decision or directive ordering the indefinite closure of Skyway Stage 3.
"The position of the TRB and its management is to keep Skyway Stage 3 open for the benefit of all motorists," it added.
The interagency body issued the clarification after toll operator SMC announced that Skyway 3 will be closed starting March 16, 2021 at 5 p.m. and will reopen once all ramps are complete.
The infographic posted on Skyway Operations and Management Corporation's (SOMCO) official Twitter account said the closure of the tollway was a "result of a TRB directive." The TRB, which oversees the operations of tollways, is composed of the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Finance (DOF), National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), and a representative from the private sector.
Meanwhile, in a message to reporters following TRB's statement, SMC President Ramon Ang confirmed that Skyway 3 will not be closing indefinitely after talking to Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade.
"I have just talked to Secretary Tugade he will take care of TRB. No closure ," Ang said.
The Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 was officially opened in late December 2020. It stretches from Buendia, Makati City up to North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) in Balintawak, Quezon City.
The tollway aims to cut travel time between the two points down to 20 minutes or less, as well as decongest EDSA.
No fee has been charged to the public since it was opened since it is incomplete.
The TRB said the use of Skyway Stage 3 will remain free of charge until all the ramps have been built and the tollway's full alignment completion has surpassed the 95 percent mark.