Quezon City: Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon on Monday announced the immediate license suspension of a taxi driver who was caught on video trying to charge PHP1,260 for a ride from Terminal 2 to Terminal 3 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Pasay City.

According to Philippines News Agency, the suspension was announced during a press conference at the Land Transportation Office (LTO) headquarters in Quezon City. The driver has already been slapped with a temporary license suspension, with the process for permanent revocation ongoing. The vehicle, operated by Taxi Hub Transport, has been impounded as it was found to be unregistered. All 15 units under the company were discovered to have expired provisional authorities since March and are thus considered 'colorum.'

Transportation Secretary Dizon stated that both the driver and operator displayed disdain for the law through overcharging while being unregistered. The distance between Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 is about six kilometers and would take approximately 10 minutes.

Dizon emphasized the severe consequences for such actions, indicating that all fleet operations by Taxi Hub Transport have been halted. He warned other public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and operators that public transport is a privilege granted by the government and must be exercised within the framework of existing rules and responsibilities.

To prevent similar incidents in the future, the LTO and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) were instructed to conduct anti-overcharging operations at NAIA, other airports, and transport facilities throughout the country. Dizon also urged the public to report violations by tagging the social media pages of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and other relevant agencies.

A video that went viral on social media showed two female passengers arguing with the taxi driver over the excessive fare, which was eventually reduced to PHP1,100.