Regulation of the toll road sector under TRB remains weak. TRB was established in 1977 to regulate expressways and toll rates while increasing private sector investment in infrastructure projects. It lacks capacity and resources relative to its mandate, however, and in practice only monitors operations, maintenance, and the adjustment of toll rates. TRB lacks independence, remaining under the control of the government. Its executive director is appointed by the president, and all but one member of its board are government officials. Funding is provided exclusively through the public budget as approved annually by Congress under the General Appropriations Act. In 1977, when there was only one toll road, it had 28 employees. Today, it has only 26 staff to monitor six toll roads. A request to increase its staffing to 96 was rejected by the government and only four new positions were approved. The executive director and some senior personnel change frequently, particularly when a new government takes office.
North Luzon Expressway Rehabilitation and Expansion (Loan 7162/1769)