Taxi Trap Busted

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has suspended the licenses of 11 drivers, both from regular taxis and ride-hailing apps, after they were caught overcharging passengers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

According to LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Vigor D. Mendoza II, the 90-day preventive suspension is part of the ongoing crackdown on abusive public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers, following the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

“These drivers thought our campaign was just ningas cogon. They’re wrong. This proves we’re serious,” Mendoza said. He added that DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon gave strict orders not to let up on abusive taxi and TNVS drivers, especially because they give honest drivers a bad name.

The LTO and the Philippine National Police’s Aviation Security Group recently conducted joint operations targeting drivers who were overcharging, snubbing, or illegally negotiating fares. Investigations showed that the 11 drivers charged between P200 and P700 for short trips, such as between NAIA Terminals 1 and 3.

The LTO issued Show Cause Orders (SCO) requiring the drivers to explain why their licenses should not be permanently revoked for being “improper persons to operate a motor vehicle.” They were also told to immediately surrender their licenses.

Mendoza emphasized that these drivers could face long suspensions or even permanent bans from working as taxi or TNVS drivers. Meanwhile, the LTFRB will conduct separate proceedings on whether the franchises of the involved vehicles should also be revoked.

To prevent further abuse, LTO personnel will continue to be stationed at NAIA terminals to respond to reports of overcharging in real time.