The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is implementing stricter measures against taxi drivers who overcharge passengers.
Chairperson Vigor Mendoza II said the agency will now immediately file criminal charges and impound vehicles involved in overpricing incidents.
The move comes after a viral video showed TXT member Soobin, a South Korean singer, being overcharged while on vacation in Cebu last month.
In the recording, the taxi initially charged P350 but the driver demanded P500 and later insisted on P1,000, citing special fuel usage.
The incident sparked widespread outrage online and drew attention to previous complaints involving foreign performers being overcharged in the country.
Mendoza stressed that the LTFRB will identify the driver, the taxi operator, and the unit involved for immediate impounding and legal action.
Criminal charges for violating public service laws and estafa will be filed alongside administrative sanctions, including revocation of the driver’s license and the operator’s franchise.
Mendoza said this policy will set a new standard for handling erring taxi drivers, reinforcing the government’s commitment to protect commuters and uphold the country’s reputation.
