LTFRB pushes taxi driver’s suspension for contracting

LTFRB pushes taxi driver’s suspension for contracting | Daily Tribune

A taxi operator was fined P5,000, while his driver will be suspended for 30 days for contracting a passenger a couple of weeks ago.

This came after the passenger, Angelia, filed a complaint with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), alleging that the driver of an EL-CYD taxicab (license plate ABL 2026) charged her a fixed fare of P250 for a ride she took on 4 May.

Angelia flagged the taxi, later identified to be driven by Rolando De Vera, near her house in Barangay Kaunlaran, Quezon City. She was surprised when the driver offered a fixed rate.

Carrying her baby, she agreed. Upon reaching their destination, she handed the driver P1,000 while getting off the cab. However, the driver sped away, taking all the money without giving her change.

This prompted Angelia to file a complaint. The LTFRB then summoned the taxi operator, Rolando Bagorio, who admitted in a hearing and in his affidavit that he condoned his driver’s action despite knowing that contracting passengers is prohibited by the agency.

Bagorio promised to present De Vera at the 7 May hearing, but claimed the driver escaped while they were on their way to the LTFRB and has since disappeared.

Bagorio told the agency he had already terminated De Vera and asked for leniency. But on Monday, 19 May, the LTFRB issued an order signed by Regional Director Atty. Zona Russet M. Tamayo directing Bagorio to pay the P5,000 fine for allowing contracting of passengers.

“As a rule, operators of public utility vehicles — as holders of Certificates of Public Convenience or Provisional Authority and owners of their businesses — are expected to abide by the rules and regulations that govern the continued use, operation, and enjoyment of their franchises. It is incumbent upon operators to ensure that their drivers abide by the rules and regulations issued by the LTFRB,” the order stated.

The order also said that “the evidence tilts in favor of Angelia, who provided an unmistakable narration of facts that supports her claim that the respondent’s driver indeed contracted her in conveying her to her destination.”

It further noted that the LTFRB will recommend to the Land Transportation Office a 30-day suspension of De Vera’s driver’s license.

“The LTFRB quickly decided on the complaint in line with the directive of LTFRB Chairman Teofilo Guadiz III to protect passengers from abusive drivers. The LTFRB will also assist in filing a criminal case against the driver, as his act of taking the passenger’s change amounts to theft,” agency spokesperson Atty. Ariel Inton told DAILY TRIBUNE.

“The LTFRB encourages passengers to be vigilant and file complaints against abusive PUV drivers,” he added.