BY ALEX ALAGON
THE TAXI driver is quickly realizing the gravity of his actions after allegedly charging a staggering ₱2,970 for a short trip from the Davao International Airport to the Davao City Overland Transport Terminal on the evening of Saturday, July 5.
The incident came to light after Ronelyn Suico posted on social media, detailing her elderly parents’ experience. Her parents, one of whom is deaf and mute, were reportedly shocked by the exorbitant fare.
On Tuesday, July 7, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) XI issued a show cause order, signed by regional director Nonito A. Llanos III. It also summoned the taxi operator, the driver, and the passengers to a hearing on July 8 at the regional office. The hearing was presided over by Atty. Ernest Benz S. Davila, chief transportation development officer.
During the proceedings, the driver confessed to the mistake and tearfully begged for forgiveness and promised to return the ₱3,000 fare he received from the passengers.
Initially, the driver reportedly told the complainants that he only received P300 from his passengers and not P3,000, as the meter reading was only P270.
Complainant’s account
Suico, the passenger, recounted his shock at the meter reading when he reportedly read ₱2,970 instead of the P270 the driver claimed he saw.
When asked if he complained during the trip, he added, “I kept telling him (the driver), but he wasn’t listening because he was busy with his cellphone. I kept saying ‘that’s too much’ and then the meter kept going up until it was really big. That was also the first time I saw a meter like that because it was also the first time I rode a taxi.”
When questioned if he confronted the driver upon disembarking, Suico said that he did not argue anymore and simply paid the money.
“He should have known that I gave him ₱3,000. He should have protested I gave him too much,” he added.
Suico said that the taxi driver needed to serve as a warning to others.
“He really shouldn’t be driving anymore because he might do that to others,” he said. “That’s why he really needs a lesson.”
The driver responded, crying, “My family will starve, ‘Tay.'”
LTFRB’s actions
As of press time, the LTFRB XI has submitted the case for resolution and due evaluation, with appropriate penalties and charges to be imposed if warranted.
In an interview with reporters, Llanos said, “We will still wait for the result of the hearing if the operator will be penalized.”
As to the driver, the LTFRB XI will send a recommendation to the Land Transportation Office XI, which will decide if the transgression merits suspension or revocation of his license.
Regarding sanctions by the LTFRB, Llanos explained, “Our sanctions are for the operators because drivers are not under our mandate. If it’s proven that their driver has committed a violation, a breach of franchise violations, they will also be penalized.”
He added, “So, for now, we will finalize the first offense for the operator if they have a penalty. We have to check with our legal department.”
Llanos acknowledged that the operator is legitimate and well-respected, but noted, “Even if an operator is very upright, there are times when they hire a driver who can commit a fault, and the operator gets involved.”
The Director reiterated the LTFRB’s commitment to ensuring fair treatment for passengers, in line with the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. through DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon and LTFRB Chairperson Atty. Teofilo E. Guadiz III.
He also issued a strong reminder to drivers: “I never fail to remind you that our livelihood is driving. We should respect the opportunity given to us by our employers, who provide us with a livelihood. There would be no livelihood if not for the franchise given by the government. So, let us protect the opportunity given to us by the operator and LTFRB, which grants the franchise to the operator, because this is what provides support to each of us. It’s very simple; let’s just follow the law, let’s follow the policy of LTFRB, and we will not have problems. But if we become stubborn, let us remember that our livelihood in driving a public utility vehicle is at stake.”
Meanwhile, LTFRB XI encourages commuters to report similar incidents directly to their office, rather than solely on social media, to ensure prompt action and proper disciplinary measures against erring drivers.
