BAGUIO CITY- Verbal and written complaints from motorists against erring taxi drivers pile up at the Cordillera Office of the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC- CAR) as taxi drivers reportedly refuse to follow the 5 peso rollback on the flag-down rate of taxis as earlier mandated by the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
According to Atty. Brenda D. Poklay, DOTC- CAR Legal Officer, “Here in Baguio City, we immediately proceed to hearings and take actions on those compliants.”
She also reminded all commuters to be assertive and do their social obligation to file a complaint for them to be informed if taxi cab drivers and operators are doing their part, especially in P10 and the new P5 fare rollback for taxis, as ordered by the LTFRB to reduce the P10 flagdown rate to a P5 reduction for Baguio City and part of Cordillera region.
In addition, “The operators should be aware of the new rules because that is their obligation.” Poklay stated.
Under existing LTFRB rules, taxi operators found to be overcharging or undercharging their fare face a fine of P5,000.00 for the first offense while the second offenders will be penalized P10,000 and impounding of unit for 30 days and the third and succeeding offenses will be fine P15,000 and cancellation of the certificate of public convenience (CPC).
Since March 10-31, Poklay disclosed the agency was able to record 34 complaints against erring taxi drivers who refuse to implement the P10 fare rollback and that marathon hearings are being undertaken to ascertain the liabilities of the operators and drivers before imposition of fines. As of April 21, there was one recorded complaint regarding the new P5 rollback on the flag down rate.
Commuters who have complaints against taxi cab drivers and operators who are not following the flag-down rate rollback can call or text the following hotline numbers: (074) 444-9938 and (074) 423-1662. BY SHERYL GRACE BIAG
