Cabbie accused of anti-gay discrimination

MANILA, Philippines - The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is set to investigate a claim that a taxi driver verbally abused a gay couple in Alabang, Muntinlupa City Saturday night.

One of the passengers, who introduced himself as “Bie,” told the LTFRB via Twitter that he and his partner, “JM,” hailed a taxi with plate number UWK-974 in Alabang to bring them to South Station at around 9 p.m.

Bie said the taxi driver demanded a fixed amount but when they insisted on following the taxi fare meter, the driver started ranting at them, saying he does not convey gays.

He told The STAR he would have let the fare “contracting” pass, but he intends to file a complaint because the driver was discourteous.

LTFRB Chairman Winston Ginez told The STAR that they would coordinate with Bie before conducting an investigation of the incident.

He said the driver could face charges for violation of the joint administrative order of the LTFRB and the Land Transportation Office for refusing to convey passengers.

The driver could also be charged for contracting, he added.

“We will get in touch with the complainant to encourage him to pursue the complaint by attending a hearing that we will call. I’ll direct our Public Assistance and Complaint Desk to contact the complainant,” Ginez said.

Picky drivers could be fined P5,000 for the first offense and P10,000 for the second offense.

Those who commit a third offense will be fined P15,000 and lose the franchise for the taxi.