Tuesday, October 12, 2004 (Philippines)

Pampanga Vice Gov. Yeng Guiao (inset photo) and members of the Provincial Board (PB) listen to Dr. Norman Ramos of University of the Philippines (UP) School of Urban and Regional Planning as he explains the "benefits" of the new Nlex during Monday's committee hearing. Present were Board Members Dong Gonzales, Pros Lagman, Nelson Calara, Nestor Tolentino, Tars Halili, Lilia Pineda, Betty Lim, Eddie Chu, Pogi Caballa, Pinong Laus, JQ Quiambao and Cesar Magat. Sun.Star Pampanga/Chris Navarro CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- The Pampanga Provincial Board (PB) maintained its opposition to the increase in toll rates at the North Luzon Expressway (Nlex) despite the clarifications by representatives of the University of the Philippines Planades (UP) on the benefits of using the tollway improved by the Manila North Tollways Corporation (MNTC). Vice Gov. Joseller "Yeng" Guiao said the UP Planades group presentation in the session Monday failed to douse the opposition by the PB members to the steep toll rates planned to be imposed by the MNTC beginning January next year. [full story]