Pasay City:Manila The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has issued a show-cause order against a taxi operator for allegedly charging a senior citizen PHP750 for a short trip from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 to a bus terminal in Pasay City.

According to Philippines News Agency, Acting LTFRB chairperson Greg Pua Jr. announced that the operator of the taxi with license plate NBS-8720 is under investigation following a viral video of the incident. Pua expressed gratitude toward the netizen who uploaded the video, as it provided the agency with the necessary information to identify the operator.

Pua condemned the overcharging, stating, "This is an unacceptable practice. Senior citizen or not, no taxi driver has the right to charge more than what the LTFRB has set. We will look into this matter and we assure the public of quick action." The show-cause order, signed by LTFRB Legal Division Officer-in-Charge Ralph Baguio, requires the operator to explain in writing why its Certificate of Public Convenience should not be cancelled or suspended.

The report notes that the netizen followed the taxi after noticing the unusual presence of a conductor inside the cab, an occurrence typically associated with passenger buses. The netizen confirmed the PHP750 fare after speaking with the senior citizen, leading to the video going viral and prompting the LTFRB social media team to monitor the incident.

The hearing is scheduled for November 24, with Pua warning of legal consequences if the operator fails to comply with the summons. He also reminded operators of taxis and other public utility vehicles to ensure their drivers do not engage in misconduct, emphasizing that they will face consequences if such actions occur.