MANILA - San Miguel Corp said Friday medical workers fighting against the 2019 novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) would get a free pass on its expressways for the entire duration of the Luzon-wide lockdown.

Toll fees are waived for all health care professionals using the STAR Tollway, South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), Skyway, NAIAX and the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX), which its unit SMC Infrastructure operates, San Miguel Corp said in a statement.

To avail of the privilege, medical personnel need to secure a special RFID sticker from SMC tollways or convert their existing RFIDs at temporary booths at the Shell Magallanes gas station and the NAIAx toll gate from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., the company said.

A PRC license is required for verification, SMC said. More booths will be made available in the coming days, it said.

“This is the least we can do to show our appreciation and gratitude for our doctors and nurses who are working under extremely challenging circumstances to save lives," said SMC President Ramon Ang.

"We hope it helps make life a bit easier for them, and remind them that what they do for all of us is deeply appreciated," Ang added.

The SMC tollways earlier opened priority lanes for the unimpeded flow of goods.

• San Miguel assigns SLEX priority lanes for goods, emergency health services

Medical professionals, police and military forces are among those permitted to travel during the 30-day enhanced community quarantine which is in effect until April 12.