LTO Suspends Taxi Driver Licenses Over Naia Overcharging
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has suspended the licenses of 11 taxi and transport network vehicle service (TNVS) drivers for overcharging passengers at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia). This decisive action highlights the agency’s commitment to protect commuters from abuse.
LTO chief Vigor Mendoza II confirmed the 90-day suspensions following a show cause order. The move came after multiple complaints about excessive fares for short rides between Naia terminals. These allegations prompted an immediate investigation to enforce fairness in airport transport services.
Excessive Charges Prompt License Suspensions
According to initial findings, the 11 drivers charged passengers as much as ₱700 for trips from Terminal 1 to Terminal 3. Such fares far exceed reasonable rates, sparking outrage among travelers and authorities alike.
“We already suspended a lot of erring taxi and TNVS drivers in the past weeks. Akala yata ng mga ito ay ningas cogon lang ang ginagawa natin, nagkakamali sila at itong 11 na drivers na ito ay patunay na tuloy tuloy ito,” Mendoza said, emphasizing the agency’s ongoing crackdown.
In English, he added, “We have already suspended many erring taxi and TNVS drivers in the past weeks. These drivers probably thought our efforts were just a passing phase, but they’re wrong—these 11 drivers are proof that this will continue.”
Firm Directive to Protect Honest Drivers
Mendoza also stressed that the campaign against abusive drivers is a firm directive from Transportation Secretary Dizon. They aim to protect honest drivers and maintain the integrity of the transport industry.
“This is the firm directive from Secretary Dizon—not to let up on these abusive taxi and TNVS drivers, because their actions are affecting the many other honest and decent drivers in the industry,” he said.
Separate Legal Proceedings for Franchises
The LTO clarified that the license suspensions are separate from any franchise-related legal procedures. The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board will handle the franchise cases independently while the LTO focuses on driver licensing violations.
These measures reflect the government’s resolve to clamp down on unfair practices and ensure safe, affordable transport options at Naia. Passengers can expect continued vigilance and stricter enforcement in the coming months.
For more news and updates on Naia taxi driver license suspensions, visit Filipinokami.com.
