MANILA — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has issued a show-cause order (SCO) to a taxi driver and the vehicle's operator after the driver allegedly charged a person with disability (PWD) passenger P200 per kilometer.
The directive was issued by LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao following a complaint that surfaced on social media.
The LTO said the PWD passenger's parent reported the incident, which happened at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Upon learning that the taxi was charging P200 per kilometer, the passenger requested to be dropped off at a nearby gas station and sought alternative transportation home.
The LTO, citing initial findings, said the taxi was not registered with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board. Records also showed that the taxi driver has previous traffic violations.
Lacanilao ordered a formal investigation to identify the driver and operator and subject them to administrative proceedings.
They are to appear before the LTO Intelligence and Investigation Division at the Central Office in Quezon City on October 1 to submit sworn statements and supporting documents in response to the allegations.
The driver faces a complaint for overcharging fares, while the operator faces a complaint of operating an unregistered colorum vehicle.
The LTO said the driver’s license may be revoked if he is found guilty of violating provisions under "Improper Person to Operate a Motor Vehicle."
In the interim, the driver was ordered to surrender his license under a 90-day preventive suspension, while the vehicle was placed under alarm status.
"Malinaw ang paglabag sa paniningil ng P200 kada kilometro, lalo na’t may itinakdang pamasahe para sa taxi services," Lacanilao said.
(Charging P200 per kilometer is a clear violation, especially since there is a set fare for taxi services.)
The LTO reiterated that overcharging and other public transport violations are strictly prohibited, assuring the public that those found liable will be held fully accountable.
The agency urged the public to continue reporting overcharging, colorum operations, and other transport irregularities for immediate investigation and action.
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