Arrogant jeepney driver’s license suspended

MANILA, Philippines – The Land Transportation Office (LTO) suspended yesterday the license of a public utility jeepney driver for three months for refusing to grant discount to an elderly passenger in Caloocan City.

LTO chief Roberto Cabrera suspended the professional driver’s license of Tabalanza Sumugat for his arrogant behavior, reckless driving, overcharging and refusal to grant the 20 percent fare discount provided by law.

“His action was in total disregard of LTO rules and traffic laws,” Cabrera said.

Accompanied by her granddaughter, visually impaired Rosa Domingo, 75, filed a complaint against Sumugat with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

Domingo said the jeepney driver charged her and her granddaughter more than the P7 minimum fare.

Sumugat refused to give Domingo a fare discount.

According to Domingo, Sumugat got mad and ordered them to get off his jeepney.

LTFRB board member Ariel Inton said Sumugat apologized to Domingo during a hearing at the agency yesterday.

“Senior citizens and persons with disability deserve respect. Let this be a lesson not only for Sumugat but to other PUV drivers who are arrogant,” Inton said.