The taxi driver in Cebu accused by a K-Pop singer of overcharging may face criminal charges if investigation warrants.

This is according to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), which has directed the driver and the taxi operator to explain the allegation.

LTFRB took cognizance over the alleged incident upon orders from its national office following a complaint filed by the fans of Choi Soobin.

According to the complaint, the singer took a taxi from the airport in Lapu-Lapu City in Mactan Island to Cebu City. The driver allegedly asked for a P500 fare straight away and when they arrived in their destination, asked for twice the amount.

But the singer refused to give P1,000 and gave the taxi driver P500.

“I mean, P500 is already pushing it and then he raises it to P1,000,” the singer said.

A video the singer posted on social media about the alleged incident has gone viral.

The driver reportedly asked for P1,000 because of the high prices of fuel, however, LTFRB said this is a way of taking advantage of the situation to the detriment of others.

CONSEQUENCES

LTFRB said a bigger violation on the part of the driver was allegedly choosing not to use the meter during the trip.

LTFRB has already issued a show cause order against the driver and operator of the taxi.

The agency said the operator is not absolved of liability for offenses committed by the driver.

Aside from possible fine, LTFRB may also recommend for the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to revoke the driver’s license if the allegation is proven true.

Aside from this, the driver may also face criminal charges and estafa.

STATEMENT

In a phone interview, Antonio Dabalos, liaison officer of the taxi company, told GMA Regional TV Balitang Bisdak they are saddened about what allegedly happened.

He said they always remind their drivers of proper behavior.

“Ato gyud sila gikuan nga dili gyud ingon ana. Naa man tay gisunod nga rules sa LTFRB, balaod naa sa franchise, mao na sige mi pahimangno ana nila. Gani, kana madunggan nato nga sa gawas naay mamalibad pasahero, amo giingnan nga public service man ni ato,” he said.

He said the company is taking steps to support its drivers amid the rising cost of fuel.

“Luyo sa among paningkamot gani amo sila gi reduce-an sa abang. Unya naghatag pod mi’g tagsa ka sakong bugas kada buwan nila… unya ang amo pod gasolina, mas ubos kaysa diha sa gawas… mao unta na among gihimong abag nga mentras naa ta ani nga krisis ba, pero tungod aning hitaboa, medyo makapahiubos usahay,” he said.