LTFRB warns taxi drivers vs overcharging

MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board warned taxi drivers yesterday that overcharging passengers could lead to suspension or cancellation of their LTFRB franchises, as people are expected to travel during Undas next week.

“Violations of the existing rules and regulations on fare overcharging, snubbing and disrespecting passengers could lead to suspension or cancellation of the certificate of public convenience,” acting LTFRB chairman Greg Pua said.

The LTFRB estimates that around 1.9 million passengers would use the bus terminals in Quezon City, Manila, Pasay, Caloocan and Muntinlupa as well as other transportation hubs, as people travel to the provinces for the observance of All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day on Nov. 1 and 2.

“This early, we are giving a fair warning to all taxi operators to behave and stick to the rules and regulations,” Pua said, adding that mystery riders would be dispatched to check on the taxi services.

The LTFRB would also conduct random and surprise visits at the transport terminals, he added.

According to Pua, the LTFRB social media team will be monitoring complaints online, including viral posts, social media tags, messaging and calls.

He urged netizens to report abusive incidents to the agency for prompt action.

Meanwhile, the Bureau of Immigration is limiting the approval of vacation leaves of BI personnel during Undas, amid the expected influx of travelers.

“We are preparing and deploying additional BI personnel to our international airports. The rapid response team will be on standby at our airports so we would have a pool of officers ready for duty, in case additional officers are needed,” BI spokesperson Anisha Hadji Hassan said.

The Philippine National Police-Aviation Security Group at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport also launched its Oplan Kibits to prevent passengers and NAIA users from falling prey to members of theft, salisi, budol-budol and bundol gangs as well as those who engaged in kalabit pahingi, illegal porterage and fixing. — Bella Cariaso, Rudy Santos