In line with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to crack down on abusive drivers, the Land Transportation Office (LTO), under the leadership of Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon, has placed a taxi under alarm after its driver was caught overcharging a passenger at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1.
According to a complaint filed by the victim, the driver demanded ₱5,000 for a trip from NAIA Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 on the afternoon of June 19—a route that should only take a few minutes and cost a fraction of the fare.
“Mas malupit pa ito kaysa sa naunang nag-viral na taxi driver na naningil ng ₱1,300 para sa parehong ruta,” said LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II, referring to a previous incident that drew public outrage.
In response to the first case, Secretary Dizon had already ordered the suspension of the driver’s license and the taxi franchise, as well as the relief of five airport personnel allegedly involved in an extortion scheme targeting taxi drivers.
Following the latest case, Asec. Mendoza vowed that firm sanctions will be enforced. The driver has been ordered to immediately surrender his license, pending investigation.
A show cause order (SCO), signed by LTO Intelligence and Investigation Division chief Renante Melitante, summoned both the taxi driver and the vehicle owner to appear at the LTO Central Office in Quezon City on June 27. They are required to submit a written explanation regarding the overcharging incident.
The driver faces an administrative case for being an Improper Person to Operate a Motor Vehicle, under Section 27 of R.A. 4136, which could result in the revocation of his driver’s license.
“In the meantime, the subject taxi is placed under alarm, suspending all transactions involving the vehicle. The driver’s license must be surrendered on or before the scheduled hearing,” the order stated.
Failure to appear or submit the required written explanation will be treated as a waiver of the right to be heard, and the case will be decided based on available evidence, the SCO added.
Dizon earlier issued a stern warning to public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers: respect commuters and follow traffic laws—or face serious consequences.