Taxi drivers operating at the Davao International Airport have expressed concern over a viral social media post that accused one of their fellow drivers of charging a couple nearly P3,000 for a trip to the Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT) from the airport.

One of the supposed victims is a person with disability (PWD),

Several taxi drivers worry that the incident may affect their livelihood and the public’s trust in airport taxi services.

“Ang uban ana, di na mosakay sa taxi, mag-Grab na gyud ang uban… magduda na ang pasahero sa mga taxi driver,” one driver said.

“Naapektuhan pamasahero namo kay wa nay salig ang uban tao madamay ming tarong nga naglinya og tarong diri, nakapila,” another taxi driver added.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board-Davao (LTFRB-11) said the driver involved has already been issued a show cause order and is set to undergo a formal hearing.

The driver was identified through coordination with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines-Davao (CAAP-11).

“Ang mahitabo ani, kung wa poy ika-produce ang atoang operator sa recorded dash cam, another penalty because it is a requirement to all taxi operators to have dash cam cameras,” LTFRB-11 Director, Nonito Llanos, said.

Llanos assured that if the complaint is proven true, both the driver and operator will be held accountable.

“If really proven na naa gyuy salaod ang maong driver kung ako lang di gyud maayo we really need to discipline these kinds of drivers because this will destroy the image of our city,” Llanos added.

LTFRB-11 issued a stern warning to all erring drivers.

“Atong hinumduman nga pinaagi sa atong mga pasahero nabuhi ang atong tagsa-tagsa ka pamilya, busa atong respetuhon ang atoang mga pasahero kay mao kini ang naghatag og panginabuhi kanato,” Llanos said.

Llanos also reminded operators to conduct proper background checks before hiring drivers.

“Make sure that you will be able to conduct surveillance background investigation before you hire your drivers kay unfortunately if you are hiring drivers nga mamahimong erring drivers mahimo pud mo nga ma-penalize sa LTFRB,” Llanos added.