DOTr to revoke license of viral taxi driver in overcharging incident
Metro Manila, Philippines - The viral taxi driver who charged ₱1,260 for a short trip from Terminal 3 to 2 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) will lose his license and face additional penalties, according to the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
At a press conference, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said that the driver has been suspended and his taxi was impounded.
“Di ka na makakapagmaneho ng taxi. Pasensya ka na pero niloko mo yung kababayan natin,” Dizon said.
(Translation: You won’t be allowed to drive a taxi again. I’m sorry, but you deceived a fellow Filipino.)
In the viral video, the passenger is heard questioning the fare while the driver shows a calculator on his phone. Another passenger asks if he can lower the price to ₱1,000. The driver agrees to ₱1,100, saying he would lose money on gas if he charged less.
Dizon warned other drivers, “Pag kayo nahuli at navideohan kayo… ito rin ang mangyayari sa inyo.”
(Translation: If you get caught on video doing the same, the same punishment will happen to you.)
He urged passengers to record and report abusive drivers.
‘Colorum’ units
Over the weekend, the taxi operator issued an apology saying it is reaching out to the affected passengers to offer a refund and personal apology. It added that an internal investigation is ongoing and disciplinary action will follow.
However, authorities discovered that the company has been operating without a franchise as the permits of its 15 units expired in March.
“Makakasuhan kayo ngayon kasi pinayagan niyong lumabas at mamasada ang isang taxi na wala na palang prangkisa,” said Dizon.
(Translation: You’ll face charges for allowing a taxi with no valid franchise to operate.)
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) will issue a show cause order against the company.
Airport operator New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) confirmed the taxi is not one of its accredited transport providers. It is reviewing CCTV footage to determine where the unauthorized pick up occurred.
Crackdown on overcharging taxis
The DOTr said it is coordinating with the Land Transportation Office (LTO), LTFRB, and airport authorities to go after overcharging taxi drivers, especially at airports and seaports nationwide.
“ I’ve asked the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board and the Land Transportation Office to coordinate with the Manila International Airport Authority and San Miguel Corporation’s New NAIA Infrastructure Corporation para mahuli natin lahat ng mga ganito. (Translation: ...so we can catch all violators like this.)” Dizon said.
NNIC said that free inter-terminal shuttle buses are available every 15 minutes.
It reminded passengers that accredited Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS) such as Grab and Joyride Super Taxi are allowed to pick up passengers at the airport.
Metered taxis are allowed entry for drop-offs only and are not authorized to solicit or accept passengers.
(NewsWatch Plus Senior multi-platform producer Sophia Sioco contributed to this report.)
