The Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) asked North Luzon Expressway Corp. (NLEX) why it should not be sanctioned following the massive flooding on several segments of the North Luzon Expressway, that stranded motorists and commuters.

The DOTr said the TRB, in particular, is seeking NLEX Corp.‘s explanation on the hours-long stranding of motorists on July 21 due to flooding at the Balintawak and Valenzuela portions of the toll road, despite its directive to toll operators to prepare for the rainy season as early as May.

Likewise, TRB may order NLEX Corp. to grant a toll holiday on the affected segments of the expressway.

In a press release, NLEX Corp. said it is implementing proactive risk-mitigation efforts, including the regular cleaning of drainage systems and culverts, roadside clearing, constant monitoring of river water levels, bridge inspections and mitigation works, ensuring the availability and readiness of water trucks and other dewatering equipment, and organizing an inter-agency flood mitigation forum to strengthen the preparedness of host and neighboring communities in maintaining clear waterways.

The company said that despite its efforts, the unprecedented rainfall brought by the intensified Southwest Monsoon (Habagat), coupled with the overflow of La Mesa Dam, caused flooding in the NLEX Balintawak Cloverleaf, Valenzuela, and Meycauayan areas.

It nonetheless said it is ramping up its multi-layered flood control defense to enhance protection against flooding along its expressway network.

NLEX Corp. is a subsidiary of the Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) —the toll road arm of the Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC).