Taxi driver attacks passenger who insisted on using meter

A taxi driver was caught on camera hitting his passenger after a dispute over the use of the cab's meter.

Michael Benitez was able to film his attacker with his cellphone right before he hit him in the face, as seen in a "24 Oras" report by Susan Enriquez on Friday.

With a swollen jaw and several scratches on his neck, Benitez went to the police to report the still-unidentified driver of the taxi with plate number UVY 488 into the blotter.

The victim hailed the cab from Magallanes in Makati going to a bus terminal in Pasay City.

When Benitez noticed that the driver had left the meter off and asked him why, he was told the trip would cost him P200.

Benitez refused to pay the amount and the driver was reportedly aggressive in yanking Benitez' luggage out of the vehicle, damaging his bags and belongings.

"Noong sumakay na ako sa harapan, pinaandar niya. Nakita ko, hindi niya pinindot 'yung metro. Sabi ko, kuya, bakit 'yung metro wala? 'Hindi OK na 'yung 200,'" the victim said.

"Anong 200? Sabi ko metro lang eh. Sabi ko, hindi puwede iyan , wala din akong pera. Sabi niya, hindi naman ako makakakuha ng pasahero doon eh. Gabi na. Sabi ko, ay hindi ayoko. Balik mo na lang ako doon," he added.

It was when Benitez took a photo of the taxi's plate number that the driver became violent.

"Doon niya na ako sinugod. Pinindot ko naman 'yung video," said Benitez.

Benitez is ready to file charges against the driver for his injuries as soon as he completes the necessary paperwork.

The victim has also gotten in touch with Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board spokesperson Aileen Lizada about his complaint against the driver. —Margaret Claire Layug/JST, GMA News