Joy Adalia
Taxi drivers are notorious for being picky with passengers; that is why transport services like Uber and GrabTaxi have become popular among commuters these days. One picky cabbie in Quezon City was unlucky enough to have met his match in a policeman who was wearing plain clothes at the time.
Right in front of the Quezon City Police District-Masambong Station, PO3 Marlon Tan and his wife hailed a cab to Novaliches at around 4 a.m. on Friday, November 6, 2015, but 36-year-old Christopher Gonzales of Gaddi Taxi (UWL 690) refused. Irked by the cabbie’s refusal, the policeman asked for his driver’s license, but was only shown an ordinance violation ticket which was postdated for November 26, 2015.
The driver was promptly detained and the policeman filed complaints for his refusal to board/convey a passenger and for driving without a license. Inquest proceedings were immediately done that day, but Gonzales remained detained at the police station as of press time.
Oplan Isnabero
Every year, especially during the busy Christmas season, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) jointly activate Oplan Isnabero to apprehend taxi drivers and other public utility vehicles who refuse to convey passengers.
The offense carries a penalty of P5,000 for first time offenders. Although this is not classified as a criminal offense, refusal to convey is considered a franchise violation and is covered by Joint Administrative Order No. 2004-01. Under this JAO, only LTO and LTFRB enforcers can apprehend the violators.
LTFRB board member Ariel Inton reveals that refusal to convey is among the most common complaints they receive from the riding public each year.
He said, “When a driver stops and inquires about your destination, he already negotiated. There is an intention to make a contract of carriage. If he refuses for whatever reason, the commuter could file a complaint. If the driver asked for a fixed-price contract, that is also a violation even if the passenger agreed.”
If you encounter a picky cabbie, simply call the LTFRB Hotlines (1342, 0917-5501342, 0998-5501342) to file a complaint.
Source: Inquirer
