CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival has ordered an expanded crackdown on abusive dispatchers and illegaloperators across the city’s transportation hubs, following his earlier directive to restore order in the pier area, which he previously described as “complete chaos.”
During last week’s City Peace and Order Council (CPOC) meeting, Archival noted mounting complaints from passengers at the Cebu Port Authority complex who reported being aggressively grabbed by dispatchers, forced into specific taxis or vans, and charged exorbitant “service fees” beyond official rates.
“This is a challenge to all of us. We want our people and visitors to feel safe the moment they arrive in the City of Cebu,” the mayor earlier said, as he instructed police authorities to pinpoint problem areas and enforce stricter regulations.
The latest directive, issued over the weekend, expands enforcement beyond the pier to include bus terminals, taxi stands, jeepney stops, V-hire terminals, and other major passenger loading zones.
Archival ordered the Cebu City Police, through CCPO chief Col. George Ylanan, the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO), and other enforcement units to take swift and decisive action against individuals and groups preying on commuters.
The targeted violations include harassment of passengers, coercing them into certain vehicles, obstructing movement, and collecting overpriced or unauthorized fees.
The mayor emphasized that OFWs, tourists, seniors, students, and returning residents must be protected from exploitation.
“Dili nato tugotan ang pagpang-abuso sa atong mga pasahero,” Archival declared in a public post.
To ensure long-term protection, Archival said the Cebu City Council will draft an ordinance that will permanently ban abusive dispatchers and establish secure, well-managed transport zones where passengers can line up safely and orderly.
Among the measures being considered are the prohibition of fixers and the designation of official taxi zones to eliminate scalpers and unauthorized dispatchers.
Archival stressed that the initiative aligns with the city’s long-term vision of “Cebu City 2035 – Sustainable, Smart & Inclusive,” aimed at safeguarding the welfare of both residents and visitors.
“Padayon ta sa pag-ayo sa atong dakbayan,” he said, reaffirming the city’s commitment to fair, honest, and orderly transportation. (CEBU NEWS)