By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has called on commuters to actively report public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers who refuse to serve passengers, emphasizing that public complaints are essential in enforcing discipline within the transport sector.
LTFRB Chair Vigor Mendoza II issued the appeal on Friday after personally encountering a case of service refusal involving a ride-hailing driver while conducting an inspection of public transportation operations in Metro Manila on Independence Day.
According to Mendoza, drivers who decline passengers without valid reason often continue the practice because affected commuters fail to lodge formal complaints.
He stressed that refusal of service constitutes a violation under Joint Administrative Order No. 2014-01, which governs the conduct and responsibilities of public utility vehicle operators and drivers.
The LTFRB chief said passenger complaints provide the agency with the basis to investigate violations and impose appropriate sanctions against erring drivers and operators.
Following the incident, the agency issued a show-cause order against the operator of the ride-hailing vehicle involved. The operator has been directed to explain within five working days why her provisional authority should not be suspended or revoked.
The LTFRB has also scheduled a hearing on June 23. Failure to submit a written explanation or appear before the board may result in the waiver of the operator’s right to be heard and the imposition of a ₱5,000 penalty.
Mendoza underscored the importance of public participation in ensuring quality transport services and safeguarding commuter rights.
The LTFRB encouraged passengers to submit complaints through its official social media platforms, email channels, and hotline 1342.
The agency reiterated its commitment to strengthening accountability in public transportation and ensuring that all commuters receive the services to which they are entitled under existing regulations.
ia/xf
