The reported cases of passengers being harassed by rude taxi drivers are increasing and while some passengers choose to keep silent, one passenger posted a video of an enraged cab driver who went ballistic when the passenger refused to give in to the amount he demanded. Joanne Garcia expressed her discontentment and anger by posting the video she took herself. The video that Garcia took went viral but this is just a snippet of the altercation that took place. According to her, the cab driver asked her to pay a fixed rate of P250 but she insisted on using a taxi meter.
Garcia assumed that she and the cab driver have already agreed to use the taxi meter instead of paying a fixed rate. However, upon the passengers’ arrival at POEA, the meter is at P140. She paid P200 and asked for her change. That was when the cab driver started cursing at Garcia and her companion demanding a much higher amount. The part when Catipay curses at Garcia and her companion have been caught in the video.
She also suspects Catipay of taking drugs during that time. The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) had served summon for the cab driver and the operator, Ariel Gamboa on January 5. They appeared before LTFRB on January 6 and required to explain why the franchise should not be cancelled in spite of the violations they committed to the passenger such as harassment, overcharging of fare, contracting passenger and threatening of passenger. The video only revealed a portion of the altercation and according to Garcia, Catipay threatened to hurt her if she did not leave the cab. Catipay also refused to take a drug test and denied being high on drugs when the incident happened. The matter will be discussed on January 12 to dig deeper into Garcia’s complaint.
Bill of Rights 2152 aims to put a stop on cab drivers who unscrupulously prey on unsuspecting passengers:
“this bill seeks to clearly enumerate and establish the rights of taxi passengers and the responsibilities of taxi drivers and operators. Moreover, it also seeks to support current provisions of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board in determining the system and proper avenue for passengers to file their complaints with regard to their rights that are violated. “
Drivers and operators who violate any of the provisions Under Section 3 shall be meted a fine and/or a penalty, depending on the degree of offense:
“a. First Offense. - A minimum fine of Five Hundred Pesos (P500,00) but not to exceed Two Thousand pesos (P2,000.00);
b. Second Offense. - A minimum fine of One Thousand Pesos (P1,000.00) but not to exceed Five Thousand pesos (P5,000.00);
c. Third and Succeeding Offenses. - A minimum of Three Thousand pesos (P3,000.00) but not to exceed Ten Thousand pesos (10,000.00) and the suspension of the driver's license and/or the Certificate of public Convenience for a period of one (1) week. “
