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Complaints prompt LTFRB to get tough on taxi drivers and operators


(Updated 2:18 p.m.) As complaints against taxi drivers spike towards the Christmas season, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Monday issued a memorandum circular (MC) requiring all taxi operators in Metro Manila to submit a list of authorized drivers and issue ID cards in a bid to protect the riding public.

The circular will take effect immediately after publication in a newspaper of general circulation and filing of three copies at the UP Law Center, LTFRB chief of staff MaryAnn Salada said in a text message to GMA News Online .
 
"We have yet to publish the MC and file it with UP Law Center since it has just been recently signed," she said.
 
Taxi operators found breaching the provisions of the MC will be meted a penalty of P5,000 per violation. 
 
“Dahil sa sunud-sunod na mga insidente na sangkot ang ilang mga taxi drivers sa pagsasagawa ng krimen katulad ng holdap, rape at iba pagsasamantala sa mga mananakay, kailangan nating magpatupad ng ordinansa upang masawata ang ganitong mga masamang tangka sa publiko,” LTFRB chairman Atty. Winston Ginez said in a statement.
 
The regulator noted a sharp increase in the number of complaints against discourteous, arrogant, dishonest and irresponsible drivers while several passengers were victimized by drivers and their accomplices.
 
“As part of our mandate in ensuring the safety of the people, we need to act to protect the riding public from these criminals disguising as legitimate taxi drivers,” Ginez said.
 
List of taxi drivers
 
All taxi operators in Metro Manila must submit a list of their authorized drivers in soft and hard copies to the LTFRB Information and System Management Division (ISMD) on or before January 15, 2015, together with an affidavit attesting that the list is complete and names of the drivers are all legitimate.
 
The operators are also required to update their list by to submitting to ISMD the names and other details of their drivers who are no longer authorized to drive their units, as well as new authorized drivers, every 15th and 30th of the month.
 
Taxi operators were also ordered to issue identification cards to their authorized drivers with contents and design to be prescribed by the Board. 
 
Taxi drivers must conspicuously hang the IDs in the rear view mirror of the taxi units. 
 
Drivers without IDs are barred from driving their units.
 
Non-compliant drivers also face penalties, the LTFRB said.
 
Once the MC takes effect, taxi drivers must secure an LTFRB certificate to verify their employment history and check if there are any pending complaints against them.
 
Complaints
 
Taxi operators face cancellation, suspension or revocation of their franchise if their driver fails to secure the LTFRB certificate.
 
The drive was launched with the support of the Land Transportation Office Department of Transportation and Communications Action Center, PNP-HPG and DILG Emergency No. 117. 
 
It was also supported by the Philippine National Taxi Operators Association, Association of Taxi Operators of Metro Manila, Airport Transport Concessionaires Association Inc. and National Center for Commuter Safety Protection to launch the drive against taxi crimes.
 
The LTFRB said it is intensifying the speedy resolution of passenger complaints against erring taxi drivers.
 
Its Public Assistance and Complaint Desk will immediately call to a conference the driver, operator and the complainant once they received a complaint. If the complainant is not able to attend the conference, a show cause letter shall be sent to the operator to explain his side regarding the said complaint.
 
In case an amicable settlement or agreement is not reached, the board will require the complainant to submit statement detailing the complaint.
 
Taxi operators found to be at fault will be penalized as stipulated in the Joint Administrative Order No.2014-001. If the driver is at fault, LTFRB will make the proper notation in its records and refer its findings and recommendation to the Land Transportation Office for investigation and imposition of the appropriate fine or penalty. – VS, GMA News
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