The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has ordered stricter enforcement against public utility vehicle drivers who overcharge passengers as fuel prices continue to rise.
Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez directed the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to strictly implement the law and arrest drivers found exploiting passengers.
Lopez warned drivers of public transportation to stop taking advantage of commuters, including both local residents and foreign tourists. He said complaints about overcharging have increased while oil prices continue to climb.
The order came after a social media post by Taiwanese tourists who said they were charged P9,600 by a driver for a trip from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to their destination in Manila. The passengers said the usual fare for the trip is around P500.
Lopez said transport operators could face suspension or cancellation of their franchises if their drivers are caught cheating passengers.
He also directed the LTFRB to file criminal charges against drivers who are proven to have overcharged or exploited commuters.
The transportation chief said the government will not tolerate abusive practices and will continue monitoring public utility vehicles to protect passengers.
