Transport chief wants ‘special taxis’ at NAIA removed
ADVERTISEMENT

Welcome, Kapamilya! We use cookies to improve your browsing experience. Continuing to use this site means you agree to our use of cookies. Tell me more!
Transport chief wants ‘special taxis’ at NAIA removed
MANILA — Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon on Friday said he wants to do away with "special accredited taxis" at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport to prevent overcharging and extortion activities.
MANILA — Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon on Friday said he wants to do away with "special accredited taxis" at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport to prevent overcharging and extortion activities.
Currently, only Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS) and other accredited transport services are allowed to pick up passengers at NAIA.
Currently, only Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS) and other accredited transport services are allowed to pick up passengers at NAIA.
But a regular taxi driver, who was caught on video charging a passenger an exorbitant fare of P1,260 just to transfer between terminals, recently divulged their arrangement with airport police wherein they are allowed to pick up passengers but only if they surrender 40 percent of their earnings.
But a regular taxi driver, who was caught on video charging a passenger an exorbitant fare of P1,260 just to transfer between terminals, recently divulged their arrangement with airport police wherein they are allowed to pick up passengers but only if they surrender 40 percent of their earnings.
To make up for the loss over the 60/40 scheme, the cab driver said they are forced to overcharge passengers.
To make up for the loss over the 60/40 scheme, the cab driver said they are forced to overcharge passengers.
ADVERTISEMENT
Five airport police officers under the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) have been sacked following the testimony of the taxi driver. A more in-depth investigation into the alleged extortion scheme is also underway.
Five airport police officers under the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) have been sacked following the testimony of the taxi driver. A more in-depth investigation into the alleged extortion scheme is also underway.
Dizon believes that by abolishing the special accreditation system, and allowing all types of taxis in the airport, it would also eliminate opportunities for exploitation.
Dizon believes that by abolishing the special accreditation system, and allowing all types of taxis in the airport, it would also eliminate opportunities for exploitation.
“Kailangan kung ano yung ginagawa sa ibang bansa na regular taxi, pare-pareho ang fare, meron lang maayos na sistema (ng pagpila) sa airport, metro na, yun dapat ang nangyayari. Kasi kapag ganun ang sistema… Wala nang ganito, hindi na maaabuso yung mga kababayan natin. At wala na rin magsasamantala sa mga taga-gobyerno na makakaisip ng opportunity na totongpats na lang tayo dito,” he said.
“Kailangan kung ano yung ginagawa sa ibang bansa na regular taxi, pare-pareho ang fare, meron lang maayos na sistema (ng pagpila) sa airport, metro na, yun dapat ang nangyayari. Kasi kapag ganun ang sistema… Wala nang ganito, hindi na maaabuso yung mga kababayan natin. At wala na rin magsasamantala sa mga taga-gobyerno na makakaisip ng opportunity na totongpats na lang tayo dito,” he said.
(If we follow what’s being done in other countries— regular taxis with uniform fares, a proper system of queueing, and one metering system, this would not happen anymore. Our countrymen will no longer get abused. And those in government will no longer be able to take advantage by getting kickbacks.)
(If we follow what’s being done in other countries— regular taxis with uniform fares, a proper system of queueing, and one metering system, this would not happen anymore. Our countrymen will no longer get abused. And those in government will no longer be able to take advantage by getting kickbacks.)
According to Dizon, he will still need to discuss his proposal with the MIAA, airport operator New NAIA Infra Corp (NNIC), and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.
According to Dizon, he will still need to discuss his proposal with the MIAA, airport operator New NAIA Infra Corp (NNIC), and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.
ADVERTISEMENT
Meanwhile, the NNIC said it is also already investigating the overcharging incident.
Meanwhile, the NNIC said it is also already investigating the overcharging incident.
“Initial findings confirm that the vehicle involved is not among the accredited transport providers authorized to pick up passengers at the airport… We are reviewing CCTV footage to determine how and where the unauthorized pickup occurred,” it said in a statement.
“Initial findings confirm that the vehicle involved is not among the accredited transport providers authorized to pick up passengers at the airport… We are reviewing CCTV footage to determine how and where the unauthorized pickup occurred,” it said in a statement.
“While NNIC has strict transport protocols in place, we are reviewing additional measures to strengthen enforcement — including tighter monitoring of drop-offs, improved curbside surveillance, and closer coordination with transport authorities,” it added.
“While NNIC has strict transport protocols in place, we are reviewing additional measures to strengthen enforcement — including tighter monitoring of drop-offs, improved curbside surveillance, and closer coordination with transport authorities,” it added.
NNIC also reminded passengers free inter-terminal shuttle buses are available every 15 minutes, operating on a continuous loop throughout the day. This service ensures convenient, safe, and cost-free transfers without the need to book or pay for a separate vehicle.
NNIC also reminded passengers free inter-terminal shuttle buses are available every 15 minutes, operating on a continuous loop throughout the day. This service ensures convenient, safe, and cost-free transfers without the need to book or pay for a separate vehicle.
On Friday, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) placed under alarm a taxicab after its driver was caught overcharging a passenger from NAIA Terminal 1.
According to the victim, the driver charged a passenger P5,000 to go from NAIA Terminal 1 to NAIA Terminal 2 on Thursday.
On Friday, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) placed under alarm a taxicab after its driver was caught overcharging a passenger from NAIA Terminal 1. According to the victim, the driver charged a passenger P5,000 to go from NAIA Terminal 1 to NAIA Terminal 2 on Thursday.
ADVERTISEMENT
LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II has mandated the said taxi driver to surrender his driver’s license immediately.
LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II has mandated the said taxi driver to surrender his driver’s license immediately.
The driver and the owner of the taxi are also both asked to appear at the LTO Central Office in Quezon City on June 27 and submit a written explanation over the incident.
The driver and the owner of the taxi are also both asked to appear at the LTO Central Office in Quezon City on June 27 and submit a written explanation over the incident.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT