The newly-appointed head of the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) has vowed to fast-track ongoing and proposed toll road projects, as well as enforce proactive regulation of existing toll roads.
President Duterte appointed lawyer Alvin Carullo as the new executive director of the TRB, an attached agency of the Department of Transportation (DOTr), effective March 15. He replaced former TRB chief Abraham Sales, who resigned in January this year.
Shortly after assuming office, Carullo shared his specific goals for the TRB so it may efficiently perform its mandate. These include the "effective and proactive regulation of existing toll road facilities through responsive policies."
Carullo also emphasized the need to expedite the construction, development, and completion of the much-needed toll road projects in the country, adding that he intends to "inculcate the culture of competence, integrity, and good public service in the TRB."
The new TRB head added that he aims to have manpower augmentation to ensure that toll regulatory functions are efficiently performed by the agency, as well as promote the professional welfare of his personnel.
Carullo said he will also take a look at pending applications for toll fare increases so that just and reasonable rates are implemented through a transparent consultative process.
"Toll rates should not be too low as to be confiscatory (or) so high as to be oppressive," he added.
"To our TRB officials and staff, I expect your full support and cooperation. The TRB plays a vital role in our transportation infrastructure system and should be a catalyst for economic recovery amid the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease) pandemic," Carullo said.