The local government of General Santos City has warned tricycle drivers not to take advantage of athletes and guests in the Batang Pinoy Games after reports surfaced that a tricycle driver allegedly overcharged several delegates.

A social media post showing a message written on a blackboard at a school – one of the billeting sites for the event – expressed frustration over the incident and cautioned visitors to be vigilant against dishonest drivers.

The message reads:

“Welcome to General Santos City National High School, Batang Pinoy delegates, Batang Pinoy. Beware ang ibang tricycle drivers ay mapagsamantala sa pamasahe. Never magpaloko dito sa GenSan. Pero generally mababait ang taga sa GenSan. In case gusto niyo magpalamig, napakamai naming malls. Oops, i-try nyo rin ang aming  signature tuna dishes, you will surely enjoy your experience here in GenSan.”

According to reports, the alleged overcharging occurred when a tricycle driver allegedly charged P250 to ferry Batang Pinoy delegates from the bus terminal to their assigned billeting area, which was far above the official fare matrix set by the city government.

“Medyo kwan lang, hindi nakuha yung plate number, kasi kung nakuha yung plate number, agad agad sana pinaghahanap na natin kaagad,” Public Safety Office Head, Atty. Jose Mariano Constantino Gonzales, said.

The local government said the regular fare is P15 for the first four kilometers, and P12 for students, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities (PWDs). An additional P1 is charged for every succeeding kilometer.

Violators may face sanctions, including cancellation of franchise or disapproval of their franchise application.

The Traffic Enforcement Unit (TEU) identified the tricycle driver later after interviewing the victims. The driver has been summoned to the TEU office to answer the complaint.

“Well, sa ganitong may occasion at may bisita tayo, ako I will recommend cancellation of franchise, kung wala siyang franchise, aplikante pa lang siya, disapproval of his application for franchise. Kung wala talaga siyang application mag-file tayo ng kaso sa LTO,” Gonzales said.

The local government urged visitors to report similar incidents to authorities by taking note of the tricycle’s plate number and the driver’s identity.

More than 21,000 athletes from 191 participating local government units across the country are expected to participate in the Batang Pinoy Games, which will run from October 25 to 31.