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RA 10054: Motorcycle Helmet Act in Philippines 

The Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2009, otherwise known as Republic Act 10054 (R.A. 10054), is a law being implemented by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in an effort to safeguard the Filipinos, particularly the motorcycle operators, drivers, and passengers at all times through the mandatory enforcement of the use of standard protective motorcycle helmet and sets forth penalties for those who may be found in violation of the law.

With this law as well, the government, along with the LTO and its deputized agencies like the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG), pursues a more proactive and preventive approach to make sure that the safety of motorists, their passengers, and the pedestrians are observed though many people still take this law for granted, hence the no helmet violations. The law also helps the government weed out unauthorized dealers, sellers, and manufacturer who fail to meet the provisions of the law by non-provision of or by selling non-standard protective helmets.

ra 10054 motorcycle helmet act philippines

What is Republic Act 10054: Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2009

By definition, the Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2009 is a law that mandates the use of standard protective motorcycle helmets and provides for specific penalties for its violation. It covers anyone aboard two-wheelers motorcycle riders—both drivers and passengers. It was signed into law on 23 March 2010 and rolled out to the LTO and other deputized agencies by December 26, 2011. 

The law also defines standard protective motorcycle helmets as appropriate types of helmets for motorcycle riders that comply with the specifications issued by the DTI. These specifications explicitly says that the motorcycle helmets should:

  • Bear the Philippine Standard (PS) mark or Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) of the Bureau of Product Standards (BPS) 
  • Comply with the standards set by the BPS 
  • Be made available by every seller and/or dealer every time a new motorcycle unit is purchased 
  • Be made available in any legitimate shop or authorized dealers and resellers in case the purchaser wishes to buy one at any time

In cases when the riders or manufacturers, dealers, and motorcycle sellers fail to comply with the requirements provided for by the law, then the failure shall constitute a violation of this act.

This is specifically mentioned in Section 5 of the R.A. 10054: Provision of Motorcycle Helmets, which reads as,

A new motorcycle helmet which bears the Philippine Standard (PS) mark or Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) of the Bureau of Product Standards (BPS) and complies with the standards set by the BPS shall be made available by every seller and/or dealer every time a new motorcycle unit is purchased and which the purchaser may buy at his option. Failure to comply with the requirements provided under this section shall constitute a violation of this Act.

R.A. 10054: Target Audience

The Motorcycle Helmet Act was especially created for the protection of all motorcycle riders. Under the law, all motorcycle riders must wear standard protective motorcycle helmets while driving, regardless if it’s a long or a short drive, and of the type of road and highway. The Motorcycle Helmet Act also covers sellers, manufacturers, and dealers, mandating them to make standard protective helmets and ensure that they are available for the motorcycle owners, operators, and riders to buy at all times. 

R.A. 10054: Exemptions

Like any law, even the R.A. 10054 or the Motorcycle Helmet Act has exemptions. Drivers of tricycles are deemed exempted from being tagged for No Helmet Violations and are not expected to wear helmets as required by the Motorcycle Helmet Act. 

Implementation of the Motorcycle Helmet Act

Some of the salient provisions of the law regarding its implementation include the following important notes:

  • The Department of Transportation (DOTr), with its attached agency, the Land Transportation Office (LTO), is mandated to issue guidelines necessary to implement the provisions of this Act.
  • The DTI, through the BPS, utilizes the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) protocols in setting up the standards that are applicable and observable in the approval and disapproval of all types of motorcycle helmets sold in the Philippines.
  • The DTI, through the BPS, are mandated by law to regularly conduct mandatory testing of all manufactured and imported motorcycle helmets in the Philippines. 
  • All manufacturers and importers of standard protective motorcycle helmets are required to secure a PS license or ICC prior to the sale and distribution of their products. 
  • The BPS are mandated to periodically issue a list of motorcycle helmet manufacturers and importers and the brands which passed the standards of the BPS.
  • This list of accredited motorcycle helmet manufacturers and importers are expected to be regularly published in a newspaper of general circulation or in its website.
  • Only those standard protective motorcycle helmets bearing the PS or ICC mark are legally allowed to be sold in the market.

Penalties

The provisions of the Motorcycle Helmet Act includes a list of penalties that are to be dished out by the LTO and its deputized agencies in cases of violations. 

These penalties include:

No Helmet Violation for motorcycle riders and passengers

Any person caught not wearing the standard protective motorcycle helmet are in violation of the law and will be punished with the imposition of the following penalties:

  • First offense: A fine of One thousand five hundred pesos (Php1,500.00)  
  • Second offense: A fine of Three thousand pesos (Php3,000.00) 
  • Third offense: A fine of Five thousand pesos (Php5,000.00) 
  • Fourth and succeeding offenses: A fine amounting to ten thousand pesos (Php10,000.00) plus the confiscation of the driver’s LTO driver’s license 

Violation of R.A. 10054: Sellers, dealers, and manufacturers

All sellers, dealers, and manufacturers are also covered by the Motorcycle Helmet Act so there are also equivalent penalties when they are found to have violate this law:

  • Any seller and/or dealer who are found to have violated the provisions requiring them to provide a new helmet that passes local safety standards for every purchase of a new motorcycle, as detailed on the Section 5 of the Motorcycle Helmet Act shall be imposed with the following penalties:
    • A fine of not less than Ten thousand pesos (Php10,000.00) but not more than Twenty thousand pesos (Php20,000.00).
  • Anybody who uses, sells, and distributes substandard motorcycle helmets or those which do not bear the PS mark or the ICC certificate shall be punished without prejudice to other penalties imposed in Republic Act No. 7394 or the “Consumer Act of the Philippines” and as follows:
    • First offense: A fine of not less than Three thousand pesos (Php3,000.00) 
    • Second offense: A fine amounting to five thousand pesos (Php5,000.00) 
  • Anybody who was found guilty of tampering, alteration, forgery and imitation of the PS mark and the ICC certificates in the helmets are also punishable by law without prejudice to other penalties imposed in Republic Act No. 7394 or the “Consumer Act of the Philippines” and with the following:
    • A fine of not less than Ten thousand pesos (Php10,000.00) but not more than Twenty thousand pesos (Php20,000.00).

Settling Violations Related to R.A. 10054

When settling violations related to the Motorcycle Helmet Act, one needs to do so within fifteen (15) days of apprehension by visiting the Land Transport Management System (LTMS) portal, logging in to check your violations and settling the payments from there. Or, you may opt to visit any of the LTO branch or satellite offices in the Philippines, closest to your location.

Video: Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2009

If you are confused or unaware of it yet, you may learn more about R.A. 10054, otherwise known as the Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2009, and what it actually entails, along with the provisions and impositions of the law by watching this special explainer video from the LTO-accredited driving school, DriveSafe PH:

Important Reminders

For your reference, here are some important tips regarding the Motorcycle Helmet Act that are worth taking note of:

  • The No Helmet Violation is a resulting violation for not following the mandates of the Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2009.
  • The Motorcycle Helmet Act covers not only the drivers’ and passengers’ non-wearing of helmets, but also the dealers, sellers, and manufacturers who fail to issue standard protective helmets.
  • The provisions of the law also penalizes manufacturers and dealers who issue substandard helmets of any type.
  • The Motorcycle Helmet Act is a law mandated in 2010 in order to protect both the drivers and pillion riders. 
  • Settling violations related to the Motorcycle Helmet Act (R.A. 10054) can be done online by registering for an account on the LTMS portal or in person at any LTO branches in the Philippines.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

For more information, you may check the common questions and answers regarding the No Helmet Violation here:

1. Why is it illegal to not wear a helmet?

Helmets are one of the rider’s main protection in cases of accidents so it is mandated by law to wear it, thanks to the enactment of R.A. 10054 or the Motorcycle Helmet Act. Naturally, non-wearing of helmets while riding a motorcycle is a violation of this law, hence it is illegal to do so. 

2. Is it mandatory to wear a helmet?

Yes. Riders and pillion passengers who travel on any form of roads or highways, whether it is a short trip or long, must wear a standard protective helmet or risk being tagged for a violation.

3. Are all helmets the same?

No. There are some types of helmets that are inappropriate for use while aboard a motorcycle. These helmets are the ones you can’t use while riding motorcycles in the Philippines and they come in different types, including bike helmets, skateboard helmets, and others. In addition, some helmets don’t have an ICC sticker, so they can’t be used legally even if they are of the right type.

4. What are the different types of motorcycle helmets?

The different types of motorcycle helmets include:

  • Full-face helmet
  • Open-face helmet
  • Half helmets
  • Modular helmets
  • Dual-sport helmets
  • Off-road helmets

5. Is the pillion rider or passenger also required to wear a helmet?

Yes. Both the rider and the back rider or the passenger are riding the same motorcycle and facing the same risks, so the two of them must be wearing the same appropriate helmet to help keep them safe on the road.

6. What is an ICC sticker for?

A helmet with an ICC sticker means that it meets the ICC standards and has passed the test to get an ICC Certification. The acronym stands for Import Commodity Clearance. The sticker is a Philippine Standard mark and is issued by the Bureau of Product Standards (BPS).

7. What are DOT, ECE, and Snell?

These are the different counterparts of the ICC Certification in other countries.

  • The DOT stands for the Department of Transportation in the United States. Having this sticker means that it passed the bare minimum standard for motorcycle helmets issued in the USA.
  • The ECE is also known as the Economic Commission for Europe. Helmets with the ECE stickers mean that they have passed the test to be legally issued in Europe. It is said that an ECE certification holds more power since the testing procedures are more stringent.
  • The Snell is a certification that is named after William “Pete” Snell, a racing driver who died after sustaining severe head injuries when his helmet failed to provide enough protection during a crash. That said, helmets with this certification usually belong to a special niche as they are primarily used by racing drivers/riders. They are usually lightweight and overengineered, making them more expensive than the traditional helmet.

Summary

Like we said earlier, wearing a helmet is a mandatory safety measure that should not need any prodding and reminding. As someone who respects oneself, the riding community, and the value of life, then it should go without saying that the use of a proper and standard protective helmet that provides maximum safety is paramount. It is also best to check if you have the right type of helmet and if your helmet is compliant along with the provisions of law and whether you are complying with the Motorcycle Helmet Act.

Download LTO Exam Reviewer PDF Files

Passing the LTO exam is a mandatory part of getting a driver’s license from the Land Transportation Office (LTO). Before you can do that, you need to prepare and get a better understanding of the type of questions and problems included in the LTO written exam. 

To give you a better chance at passing the written exam, a quick search on the Internet will give you tons of resources for your review. To help make it even easier for you, here’s a 100-question comprehensive LTO exam reviewer with an answer key downloadable in pdf format.

lto exam reviewer pdf files

Taking the LTO Written Exam

The LTO written exam is oneof the mandatory exams that aspiring drivers need to pass to secure a driver’s license and operate a motor vehicle legally in the Philippines. You probably don’t care much about it, but it’s actually a test of your understanding of driving essentials and road safety. 

Though it seems like something you don’t need to study for, it is imperative to review and prepare for this written test. After all, theories are so much more complicated than actual driving and you need to be a pretty good student to learn about the essentials of driving and defensive driving as well as road safety, both in theory and in practice, hence the written test. 

LTO Exam Coverage

The LTO written exam is a randomized multiple choice exam that covers six (6) different subjects including the following:  

General Driving Knowledge

This subject covers defensive driving, proper techniques, road safety, stress management, driving rules, licenses, and maintenance. 

Parking

This subject covers everything you need to know about parking safely, as well as the rules and restrictions relating to vehicle parking on Philippines roads 

Emergencies

This subject tests aspiring drivers for their knowledge of road emergencies, including  what to do when involved in mechanical failures and accidents.

Handling & Driving

This subject covers the pertinent information on how to drive the optimal way, including the rights and responsibilities of drivers on the road, common regulatory rules, traffic signs and signals, and making sure that the vehicle’s documents are up-to-date and in order. 

Road Signs & Lane Markings

This subject covers information related to traffic signs, signals, and pavement markings. This also ensures that you know enough of the rules regarding regulatory signs such as no U-turn, no right turn, or left turn not only to pass the exam, but also to ensure both yours and others’ safety on the road. 

Road Position 

The subject includes information about yielding and right of way and everything else about where you should position your vehicle while driving.

How to Pass the LTO Written Exams

Passing the LTO written exam requires you to answer a certain number of questions correctly, depending on the license type you are applying for. For your guidance, here’s the number of items and the equivalent passing score for each license type:

  • Student driver permit: You need to score 20 out of a set of 25 questions.

  • Non-professional driver’s license (NPDL): You need to score 35 out of a set of 40 questions.

  • Professional driver’s license (PDL): You need to score 50 out of a set of 60 questions.

Expert tip: To better absorb and understand the concepts in the LTO subjects, you need to familiarize yourself with the rules of the road. You may also use your imagination or try to picture each of the situation and problems in the reviewer in your mind to be able to come up with the best answers.

How to Tell if You Passed or Failed the Exam

There are tell-tale signs that will tell you for sure if you passed or failed the LTO written exam.

  • If you pass, your name will be called and you will be ushered to the venue for the practical driving test.

  • If you fail, then you will be asked to re-enter the exam room for more information about how to take it again after a month. This includes having to go through everything—from the application process to the photo and signature-taking and written exams—all over again.

LTO Exam Reviewer

The LTO exam reviewer attached to this in pdf format is composed of two types of exam: Tagalog and English. It is one of the most comprehensive and concise LTO exam reviewers for all aspiring drivers which will help you when you take the actual written exam. The reviewer can also be opened from your smartphone as well as other computing devices like a tablet or a PC. It is also quite informative and it also serves as a resource site about driving and about becoming a defensive driver.

LTO Exam Reviewer PDF: English

This version of the LTO exam reviewer is suited for non-Filipinos to pass the actual LTO exam. This is also available for Filipinos who need an English reviewer. It is composed of 100 items to review and pass the actual LTO exam. 

LTO Exam Reviewer PDF: Tagalog

This LTO exam reviewer is suited for non-Filipinos to pass the actual LTO exam. This is also available for Filipinos who need an English reviewer. It is composed of 100 items to review and pass the actual LTO exam.

Download the LTO Exam Reviewer PDF 

The LTO Exam Reviewer was made to be as informative and comprehensive as possible. After clicking on the link, you will be directed to the LTO exam reviewer PDF. You can practice there or download directly. 

The LTO exam reviewer PDF comes in two types and both can be downloaded and printed or directly open from these links:

Summary

Taking the LTO Written exam should not be too difficult if you practice and prepare hard enough. In any case, we hope these reviewers can help you do better, but in case you find that these aren’t enough, please feel free to check this other set of LTO exam reviewers online and its answer key later. 

Complete List of Expressways in the Philippines

There are numerous expressways in the Philippines. Most of them are in Metro Manila and are linking the National Capital Region to nearby provinces north and south of the metro for faster travel time. At present, there are sixteen (16) expressways in the country: fifteen (15) of which connect Metro Manila to Northern (Central) and Southern Luzon and one (1) expressway in the Metro Cebu region. 

These expressways, varying in length and scale, serve as transportation links, facilitating efficient travel and commerce. From the bustling Metro Manila Skyway to the shortest expressway, the Muntinlupa–Cavite Expressway, and the country’s longest sea-crossing bridge, the Cebu–Cordova Link Expressway, these roads carve a pathway through the landscapes of the Philippines.

Each expressway has its unique features and significance, contributing to the overall infrastructure of the nation, and has a fascinating story to tell about its inception, construction, and impact on the communities it serves. Let’s delve into the details of these expressways and understand their role in shaping the Philippines’ transportation landscape.

list of expressways in the philippines

Overview

The Philippines, an archipelago rich in natural beauty and cultural diversity, is also home to an impressive network of expressways that connects its numerous islands and provinces.

Whether you’re on Philippine roads for fun or business purposes, you will agree when we say that the expressways have significantly improved the driving experience. These limited-access, fast-traffic highways, characterized by interchanges and the absence of traffic lights, not only expedite travel for vehicles but also helped tell a story of rapid development in various sectors, including education, health, employment, and entertainment. They also come with toll gates, further reinforced by RFID technology for more seamless payment systems.

These different expressways are managed, operated, and controlled by different companies in different areas, but they do share a common goal: To provide a faster, smoother alternative for land transport through well-maintained, toll-based road networks. Some are slated for further extension, to have them linked into other expressways already in existence. In this article, we looked into the various expressways crisscrossing the different parts of the Philippines in an attempt to offer a seamless journey through its diverse regions.

To help you get familiar with these expressways so you can plan your trips better, we have rounded them up for you:

North Luzon Expressway (NLEX)

  • Spans 84 kilometers

  • Links Metro Manila to Central Luzon provinces

  • Features four toll plazas

  • Total of 15 highway exits

  • Route from Quezon City, NLEX to Mabalacat, Pampanga

  • Passes through various cities and towns including Caloocan, Valenzuela, Meycauayan, Marilao, Bocaue, Balagtas, Guiguinto, Malolos, Plaridel, Pulilan, Calumpit

  • Extends through Pampanga towns like San Simon, San Fernando, Mexico, and Angeles

  • Transportation route in the eastern part of Central Luzon

Manila–Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX)

  • Known as CAVITEX, the Manila–Cavite Expressway

  • 14-kilometer highway connecting Manila to Cavite

  • Characterized by proximity to Manila Bay

  • Starts at Roxas Boulevard, extending to Tirona Highway and Antero Soriano Highway in the South

  • Left part passes through Binakayan to Bacoor, reaching Soriano and the Cavite Economic Zone

  • Right part goes to Tirona Highway near Aguinaldo Shrine, extending towards Noveleta

  • Managed by Metro Pacific Investments Corporation

  • Currently has four lanes and four exits

  • Future plans include a proposed extension to Rosario, Cavite

  • Viaduct to Sangley Point Airport planned

  • C-5 Road connection forms the CAVITEX–C5 South Link Expressway

Subic–Clark–Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX)

  • Known as SCTEX, Philippines’ longest highway at nearly 100 km

  • Connects Subic Bay Freeport in Zambales to Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway

  • Passes through Clark Freeport Zone, with entry points in Subic Bay Freeport Zone and Mabalacat Interchange

  • Inaugurated in July 2008

  • Managed by NLEX Corporation and BCDA

  • Four-lane highway

  • Vital link to economic zones in Zambales, Pampanga, and Tarlac

  • Reduces travel time between Clark and Subic to 40 minutes and Clark and Tarlac to 25 minutes

  • Spans four rivers in Central Luzon

  • Future plans include interchange expansions and additional road projects connecting Ciudad de Victoria to Manila North Road and Sta. Maria Bypass Road

NLEX Connector

  • Approximately 8-kilometer elevated toll expressway

  • Extends NLEX southward from C3 Road, Caloocan City to PUP Sta. Mesa, Manila

  • Connects to Skyway Stage 3

  • Mostly follows the PNR rail track

  • Includes interchanges at C3 Road/5th Avenue, Caloocan, and España Boulevard, Manila

  • Proposed additional interchanges at Magsaysay Boulevard and PUP Sta. Mesa

  • Four-lane expressway linking NLEX Harbor Link to Metro Manila Skyway

  • Construction started in 2019

  • Partially opened in March 2023

  • Completion expected in the 4th quarter of 2023

  • Route consists of two sections: Section 1 from Caloocan to España (5.15 km) and Section 2 from España to Santa Mesa (2.55 km)

  • Maximum speed limit of 80 km/h for light vehicles and 60 km/h for trucks

  • Traverses various districts in Manila, connecting key locations

Cavite–Laguna Expressway (CALAX)

  • Cavite–Laguna Expressway (also known as CALAX or CALAEX)

  • Partially operational toll expressway

  • Connects Kawit to Biñan in Cavite and Laguna, Philippines

  • Length of 44.63 kilometers

  • Aims to alleviate traffic congestion in the Cavite–Laguna area

  • Starts at Mamplasan Rotunda in Biñan

  • Intersects with South Luzon Expressway

  • Passes through developed and undeveloped areas

  • Utilizes bridges, MSE walls, and a viaduct

  • Descends into grade level in Santa Rosa

  • Crosses the Silang–Santa Rosa River

  • Follows Nuvali Boulevard

  • Connects to Santa Rosa–Tagaytay Road

  • Continues southwest, passing through Ayala Westgrove Heights

  • Set to expand towards Silang East Exit, connecting to Tibig-Kaong Road

  • Future plans to extend to Governor’s Drive and link to CAVITEX in Binakayan

C-5 Southlink Expressway

  • Designated as E2 in the Philippine expressway network

  • 7.708-kilometer toll expressway in Metro Manila

  • Connects Manila–Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX) to Circumferential Road 5 (C-5) in Taguig

  • ₱15 billion project

  • Collaboration between the Philippine Reclamation Authority, Toll Regulatory Board, and Cavitex Infrastructure Corporation

  • Subsidiary of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation

  • Currently operational between Taguig and near E. Rodriguez Avenue in Parañaque

  • Remaining segment towards CAVITEX is under construction

  • Starts at Carlos P. Garcia Avenue (C-5) in Taguig

  • Crosses SLEX and Ninoy Aquino International Airport

  • Terminates at C-5 Road Extension in Parañaque

  • Ongoing construction will extend it south of the airport

  • Passes Amvel City

  • Connects to CAVITEX with a trumpet interchange

NLEX Harbor Link

  • Also known as NLEX Harbor Link Project

  • 21.60-km extension of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX)

  • Extends eastward to Mel Lopez Blvd./R10 and westward to Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City

  • Consists of Segments 9, 10, and an Exit Ramp to R10

  • Serves as a spur of NLEX connecting the Port of Manila to the west and Quezon City to the east

  • Runs from Katipunan and C.P. Garcia Avenues in Quezon City to Radial Road 10 in Navotas

  • Provides access to the Port of Manila

  • Operational segment spans from Mindanao Avenue in Valenzuela to Navotas

  • Enhances cargo movement between NLEX and Radial Road 10

  • Future plans include segments 8.1 (Mindanao Avenue Link), 8.2 (C-5 Link / Citi Link), 9 (Karuhatan Link), and 10 (Harbor Link)

  • Contributes to Manila’s arterial road network

Subic Freeport Expressway (SFEX)

  • Also known as STipEx and part of NLEX Segment 7 and Expressway 4 (E4)

  • Initially built in 1996

  • Formerly named Subic–Tipo Expressway and North Luzon Expressway Segment 7 (NLEX Segment 7)

  • Four-lane, 8.8-kilometer (5.5 mi) expressway

  • Links the Subic–Clark–Tarlac Expressway to the Subic Freeport Zone

  • Crosses Bataan and Zambales

  • Rizal-to-Argonaut section ascends toward Bataan National Park

  • Tollways Management Corporation oversees its management

  • Ownership belongs to NLEX Corporation

South Luzon Expressway (SLEX)

  • Constructed in 1969 as the South Superhighway (Manila to Alabang)

  • Now comprises Expressway Route 2 (E2) and Radial Road 3 (R-3)

  • Connects Metro Manila to the CALABARZON region

  • Stretches 51 kilometers from Paco District in Manila to Santo Tomas in Batangas

  • Traverses cities like Makati, Pasay, Paranaque, Taguig, and Muntinlupa

  • Passes through Laguna and Cavite

  • Managed by various entities, including DPWH, MMDA, SomCo, and MATES

  • Evolving with projects like the four-lane SLEX Toll Road 4 (TR4) extension

  • Led by the South Luzon Tollway Corporation, a subsidiary of San Miguel Corporation

  • 66.74-kilometer extension spans from Sto. Tomas in Batangas to Lucena City in Quezon will feature seven interchanges upon completion

Metro Manila Skyway (Skyway)

  • Also known as Skyway

  • First fully grade-separated and elevated highway in the Philippines

  • Constructed to alleviate congestion on SLEX and other major routes

  • Skyway Stage 1 initiated on April 7, 1995, partially completed by October 1999

  • Operated by SOMCO (Skyway Operations and Maintenance Corporation) since 2008

  • Set to become one of the world’s longest flyovers, spanning approximately 18.68 kilometers

  • Connects SLEX to NLEX at key points

  • Future plans include extending the Skyway to Susana Heights

  • Linking NLEX Connector to Skyway Stage 3

  • Delivering the northbound section of the Skyway Extension

  • Connects the South Luzon Expressway to Skyway near Susana Heights

  • San Miguel Corporation is also undertaking the P740 billion Manila International Airport project in Bulacan

NAIA Expressway (NAIAX)

  • Elevated expressway connecting Metro Manila Skyway, Entertainment City, and Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA)

  • Designated as Expressway 6 (E6) in the Philippine expressway network

  • Spans approximately 12.65 kilometers through Pasay and Paranaque

  • Inaugurated in September 2016

  • Country’s first airport expressway

  • Designed to reduce travel time from SLEX to NAIA airport from 60 minutes to 20 minutes

  • Operated by the Skyway Operations and Maintenance Corporation

  • Constructed in two phases

  • Phase 1 started in 2003

  • Phase 2 became fully operational in June 2017

Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR Tollway)

  • Popularly known as STAR Tollway

  • Also known as CALABARZON expressway

  • 42-kilometer, two-to-four-lane expressway

  • Connects the intersection of Maharlika Highway and SLEX in Santo Tomas to Batangas International Port

  • Opened in 2001

  • Managed by STAR Infrastructure Development Corporation (SIDC)

  • Traverses Malvar, Lipa, and Ibaan

  • Future plans include Pinamucan Extension (10-km addition running through Batangas barangays)

  • Proposed Bauan extension (Batangas City–San Pascual–Bauan Road) to provide an alternative route between Batangas City and Bauan

  • STAR Tollway’s total length is 41.90 km

  • Features six highway exits

Tarlac–Pangasinan–La Union Expressway (TPLEX)

  • Four-lane highway

  • Spans 88.85 kilometers with a recent 4-kilometer extension

  • Connects central and northern Luzon

  • Southernmost terminus in Tarlac

  • Proposed northernmost terminus in Rosario, La Union

  • Extension of NLEX and SCTEX from Tarlac to Rosario, La Union

  • First and second segments completed in November and December 2021

  • Recent 4-kilometer extension from Sison to Rosario reduces travel time from Metro Manila to Baguio by 30 minutes

  • Future plans by operator San Miguel Corporation (SMC) include ongoing Pozorrobio-Sison section construction, a 7-kilometer extension, and a full extension of TPLEX up to La Union

  • Full extension divided into three sections: Rosario to Tubao, Tubao to Naguilian, and Naguilian to San Juan

  • Details about a potential Laoag extension remain unspecified

Muntinlupa–Cavite Expressway (MCX)

  • Shortest expressway in the Philippines

  • Spans 4 kilometers

  • Managed by AC Infrastructure Holdings Corporation, a subsidiary of Ayala Corporation, on behalf of the DPWH

  • Connects the southern part of Cavite to Muntinlupa City

  • Opened on July 24, 2015

  • Starts at the T-interchange with SLEX near Susana Heights

  • Follows a curved path along Magdaong Creek marking the Poblacion-Tunasan boundary

  • Passes near New Bilibid Prisons

  • Concludes at a roundabout in Daang Hari and Daang Reyna, Cavite

Central Luzon Link Expressway (CLLEX)

  • Partially operational expressway in the Central Luzon region of the Philippines

  • Connects Subic–Clark–Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) and Tarlac–Pangasinan–La Union Expressway (TPLEX) to the under-construction North Luzon East Expressway

  • Currently toll-free and limited to Class 1 vehicles

  • Will be tolled and opened to other vehicle classes in the future

  • CLLEX project includes a 35.70 km extension, known as CLLEX Phase II

  • Connects Cabanatuan City to San Jose City, Nueva Ecija

  • Offers a traffic-free alternative route between the two cities

  • Untolled section from Tarlac City to La Paz is designated as National Route 308 (N308)

  • Runs in an east-west direction

  • Starts at a trumpet interchange with SCTEX and TPLEX in Tarlac City

  • Passes through La Paz, Zaragoza, and Aliaga

  • Future plans to extend further east

Cebu–Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX)

  • 8.9-kilometer toll bridge expressway

  • Also known as the Third Cebu–Mactan Bridge

  • Connects the South Road Properties in Cebu City to Cordova on Mactan Island

  • First expressway in southern Philippines

  • Crosses the Mactan Channel

  • Country’s longest sea-crossing bridge

  • Surpasses the length of the San Juanico Bridge and Marcelo Fernan Bridge

  • Holds the title of the longest cable-stayed bridge in the Philippines

  • Inaugurated on April 27, 2022

  • Enhances connectivity between Cebu and Mactan

  • Transportation link in Metro Cebu

Summary

The Philippines boasts a network of expressways, enhancing land transport and fostering development in sectors like education, health, employment, and entertainment. Though these are limited-access highways, most of them are quite notable, providing an alternative route and collectively forming an infrastructure network that allows for faster travel time in different parts of the country. They are also mostly well-maintained and the convenience these expressways offer are, to many people, worth the amount they have to pay to use them. 

How about you? When was the last time you used any of these expressways? What was it like? Share your thoughts with us!

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