Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon — Picture by Niño Jesus Orbeta/Inquirer
Division of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon on Friday stated he has plans to take away particular taxis at airports to forestall the recurring issues of overcharging and extortion confronted by commuters and vacationers and promised a crackdown on taxi operations in coming days.
“What we’d like is to comply with what different international locations are doing—common taxis with uniform fares, a correct system on the airport the place taxis line up, and an organized queue for our fellow Filipinos. Let’s use the meter,” Dizon stated in an interview with reporters.
He defined that eliminating this particular standing for airport taxis would permit using a unified metering system for all taxis — a change Dizon hopes would forestall commuters and vacationers from unfair fees.
The DOTr chief stated he would first seek the advice of with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, the Manila Worldwide Airport Authority (Miaa), and San Miguel Corp.’s new Ninoy Aquino Worldwide Airport (Naia) Infra Corp.
READ: DOTr hunts down crooks spreading extreme Naia taxi fare charges on-line
60/40 extortion scheme
The investigation stemmed from the disclosure of taxi driver Felix Opina, who was charged by the Land Transportation Workplace (LTO) for overcharging a passenger he picked up at Naia final week.
Opina complained that he was being compelled to give up 40 % of his earnings to airport police underneath risk of arrest or being barred from entry.
On Thursday, Dizon Ordered the Reduction of These 5 Airport Policemen, Recognized Pablito Seño, Roberto Abuel, Bernardo Agra, Alejandro Pineda Jr. and Rodolfo Piedad, ALL Assigned at NAIA TERMINAL
“The President has repeatedly stated that we must always not make lives troublesome for our countrymen. We can have them suspended, then (conduct) quick proceedings for termination,” Dizon stated.
Additionally on Friday, the Manila Worldwide Airport Authority (MIAA), state regulator of Naia and in command of the APD, stated the company has begun its probe on the matter in response to Dizon’s directive.
Beneath Naia laws, taxis are usually not allowed to select up passengers on the airport terminals. Opina stated airport policemen allowed them to violate the regulation however in return, they need to give up 40-percent of their earnings, main them to overcharge passengers on the airport to make up for the loss.
Exorbitant charges
“In accordance with (Opina’s) story, the one operating this racket is the airport police. They (cabbies) impose the exorbitant charges from which they (airport policemen) get the 40-percent. In case you don’t cooperate and cost low and don’t remit what they’re asking type, both you may be apprehended or denied entry to the airport,” Dizon stated.
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The MIAA stated it was additionally working with the LTO to confirm studies of questionable ticket violations allegedly issued to taxi drivers on the airport.
