The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), under the guidance of Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Giovanni Z. “Banoy” Lopez, has summoned the operator of a taxi after its driver was caught in a video throwing trash in the middle of a busy road.
The video went viral, and netizens called out the operator and proper authorities to discipline the concerned driver.
In response, the LTFRB immediately drafted a show cause order addressed to the operator of the taxi, the Green and Smart Mobility Philippines, Inc., after the video was monitored by the LTFRB social media team.
Acting LTFRB Chairman Atty. Greg G. Pua, Jr. said the taxi operator could be held liable for employing drivers who lack the concept of road courtesy and discipline as manifested by his action.
“This is not only about existing ordinance relating to littering. This is also about common sense because no motorist in his right mind would do that,” said Acting Chairman Pua.
In the video, the driver of a taxi with license plate NIZ 4758 was seen throwing trash outside the car in the middle of the road during a traffic jam in one of busy roads in Metro Manila.
In the SCO, the operator was asked to explain in writing why the authority to operate should not be suspended or cancelled for the kind of behavior that the driver it employed displayed in the viral video.
The LTFRB also tasked the operator to have the driver himself explain the incident, and subject him to proper seminar.
“Roads are not trash sites. Bilang responsableng operator at car owners, dapat ay mayroong kahit na maliit na lagayan ng basura sa loob ng sasakyan,” said Acting Chairman Pua.
The hearing of the case is set on October 21.
He also urged public utility vehicle operators to make sure that the drivers they would hire would comply with the existing rules and regulations not only road safety but also proper waste disposal and other matter relating to discipline.
