Manila: The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has suspended the licenses of 11 taxi and transport network vehicle service (TNVS) drivers following complaints of overcharging passengers at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

According to Philippines News Agency, LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II announced the 90-day temporary suspension in alignment with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to address public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers exploiting commuters. Mendoza emphasized the ongoing efforts to discipline erring drivers, stating that the suspension of these 11 drivers serves as proof of their continued commitment.

The suspensions resulted from a joint operation between the LTO and the Philippine National Police - Aviation Security Group, targeting taxi and TNVS drivers involved in contracting, snubbing, and overcharging passengers. Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon has instructed the LTO to persist in addressing the issue, as it negatively impacts innocent taxi and TNVS drivers.

An initial investigation by the LTO-Intelligence and Investigation Division (IID), led by its chief Renante Melitante, revealed that the drivers charged passengers between PHP200 and PHP700 for short-distance travel from NAIA Terminal 1 to Terminal 3. A show cause order (SCO) was issued to each driver, requiring them to justify why their licenses should not be revoked for their conduct.

Mendoza also instructed the immediate surrender of the drivers' licenses, indicating that their actions might prevent them from working as taxi or TNVS drivers for an extended period. The license suspensions are separate from the legal proceedings conducted by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).