MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has apprehended at least 11 taxis caught while allegedly engaging in fare-haggling and overcharging their passengers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), its top official said on Wednesday.
LTO chief Markus Lacanilao said taxi drivers were issued the Temporary Operator's Permits (TOPs) for violations related to their franchises.
TOP is a citation and temporary driving receipt issued when a driver’s license is confiscated during a traffic violation.
He said the agency’s Law Enforcement Unit conducted the operation from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday, in response to violations of public transport regulations at NAIA premises.
Those caught were said to be engaging in fare-haggling and overcharging their passengers, the top LTO official said.
"Passengers should not be exploited through overcharging or fare haggling. Every passenger deserves fair fares and proper service," he said.
"This is just one of the LTO's measures to ensure that taxi drivers and operators comply with the law. We will carry out our mandate to ensure proper service and prevent the abuse of passengers," he added.
An attached agency of the Department of Transportation, the LTO assured the public that it will intensify its law enforcement operations against taxi drivers and operators who violate laws and regulations, in order to protect passengers from exploitation.
Lacanilao said it would not allow any violation to go unpunished and would continue to take appropriate action to ensure proper public transport service and hold lawbreakers accountable.
