Marilyn Cahatol

Viral overcharging taxi in NAIA to face charges for operating unregistered

Article (news)

ABS-CBN News

<p>MANILA — The driver and operator involved in the viral overcharging incident at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport will face a criminal case for illegally fetching passengers, the Land Transportation Office said Tuesday.</p><p>LTO found that the taxi unit involved in the viral video, where a passenger was charged P1,260 for a trip from NAIA Terminal 2 to Terminal 3, was registered as a private vehicle and not a public utility vehicle. </p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/business/2025/6/16/taxi-driver-to-lose-license-after-charging-p1-200-from-naia-terminal-2-to-3-1041">Taxi driver to lose license after charging P1,200 from NAIA terminal 2 to 3</a></div><p>The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) also confirmed that the unit has no Provisional Authority or a franchise to operate, making its operations illegal. </p><p>The driver and the operator of the taxi unit will face charges before the Pasay City Prosecutor’s Office for violating Section 18 in relation to Section 24 of Commonwealth Act 146 as amended by Republic Act No. 11659, or the Public Service Act, stating it is unlawful for any entity to engage in public service business without securing a certification.</p><p>“Respondents&#x27; conduct undermines the public trust and safety framework established by transportation laws. By exercising the functions of a common carrier or a public utility without securing proper authority from the government, they directly violate franchising laws meant to ensure regulated and safe public transportation,” LTO’s complaint read. </p><p>LTO underscored that the incident was not an isolated case “but part of a broader, systemic abuse of public utility vehicle franchises in transport hubs.”</p><p>Early this week, Transport Secretary Vince Dizon said he wanted “special accredited taxis” to be removed from NAIA to avoid overcharging incidents. </p><p>The taxi driver previously revealed that drivers have an arrangement with airport police, who allow them to fetch passengers in return for 40 percent of the earnings. </p><p>Five airport police officers under the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) have already been sacked. </p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/6/20/transport-chief-wants-special-taxis-at-naia-removed-2339">Transport chief wants ‘special taxis’ at NAIA removed</a></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO:</strong></div><div style="text-align:center"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uld4RM7_xGc?si=HxYXcMSdhKSfhuUt" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br/></div>

<p>The driver and operator involved in the viral overcharging incident at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport will face a criminal case for illegally fetching passengers, the Land Transportation Office said Tuesday, June 24.</p>

The driver and operator involved in the viral overcharging incident at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport will face a criminal case for illegally fetching passengers, the Land Transportation Office said Tuesday, June 24.