By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — In a swift crackdown against abusive public transport operators, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) has arrested the taxi driver accused of attempting to fleece a foreign vlogger with an exorbitant fare, while uncovering a string of additional violations that could further tighten the legal noose on both the driver and the taxi operator.
The enforcement operation, personally led by LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao and Law Enforcement Service Director Allan Nobleza, culminated Friday in the apprehension of the driver and the immediate impoundment of the Toyota Vios taxi involved in the now-viral incident.
The vehicle was also placed under alarm status, preventing it from returning to the road while administrative proceedings are underway.
What initially appeared to be a case of fare overcharging quickly escalated after LTO inspectors discovered that the taxi had been operating with an expired registration, a defective headlight, and was allegedly in violation of its franchise conditions—offenses that now expose the operator to separate administrative sanctions.
The operation stemmed from a viral video posted on the Facebook page “MY RIDE PH,” which showed the driver allegedly demanding PHP2,000 from a foreign vlogger for a trip from the airport—an incident that sparked widespread public outrage and renewed calls for stricter enforcement against rogue taxi drivers.
Acting on the complaint, the LTO’s Intelligence and Investigation Division launched an immediate probe, which revealed that the taxi’s registration had already lapsed and that the driver was not new to traffic violations, having pending administrative cases on record.
In response, the agency ordered the 90-day preventive suspension of the driver’s license while formal administrative proceedings move forward.
The driver now faces charges for overcharging passengers and violating laws on the compulsory registration of motor vehicles, while the taxi operator has been ordered to explain why administrative penalties should not also be imposed for the additional violations uncovered during the inspection.
Lacanilao said the LTO will continue pursuing transport operators who prey on unsuspecting commuters, stressing that misconduct against both local passengers and foreign visitors will not be tolerated.
The agency likewise urged the public to continue reporting abusive drivers and transport operators, emphasizing that prompt complaints allow authorities to act quickly against violators.
The latest arrest sends a strong warning that the government is stepping up its campaign to rid the country’s transport sector of unscrupulous operators whose illegal practices not only victimize commuters but also damage the Philippines’ reputation among foreign tourists.
ia/xf
