CEBU CITY — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) in Central Visayas has intensified its operations against public utility vehicles (PUVs) overcharging passengers during the Palarong Pambansa 2024 event this week. LTO-7 Regional Director Glen Galario said on Thursday that his office has received complaints from Palaro delegates about taxis in Metro Cebu overcharging fares.
According to Philippines News Agency, reports indicate that some taxi drivers are taking advantage of the national event happening in Cebu by overcharging delegates. "We received reports that these taxi drivers are taking advantage of this national event happening now in Cebu and overcharging our delegates. We cannot let this happen and rest assured that our personnel are also working very hard in catching these illegal activities," he said.
On Thursday, two drivers were apprehended and issued temporary operator's permits (TOP) for overcharging. In one incident, passengers traveling from Cebu City to Carcar City were charged a fixed rate of PHP3,000. In another, passengers traveling from the pier area to Danao City were charged a fixed fare of PHP950.
Galario reminded passengers to immediately file complaints against erring drivers and to take photos or videos as evidence. "Whether it's unmetered or overcharging, that is still considered a violation of their franchise. We cannot let our delegates be victims of these traps, especially in an annual multi-sport event like this," he said.
Drivers found guilty of overcharging will face fines of PHP5,000 for the first offense, PHP10,000 for the second offense, and PHP15,000 for the third offense. They may also face a violation of franchise conditions, with potential fines of PHP6,000 and possible revocation of their franchise and driver's license.