Gwen orders probe on alleged abusive practices of taxis at ports

CEBU, Philippines - The alleged abusive practices of taxi drivers operating at the ports in Cebu City have reached the attention of the Regional Peace and Order Council 7.

Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, chairman of RPOC, has directed Police Regional Director Lani-O Nerez to look into the allegations and to coordinate with the Land Transportation Office and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.

Garcia issued the directive after Cebu Ports Authority Security Chief Oscar Lopez admitted during the PROC-7 meeting last week that there are taxi drivers who allegedly collect exorbitant fees from passengers.

Lopez, however, said the CPA has no control over these taxi drivers.

Last year, RPOC-7 passed a resolution bringing to the attention of the Cebu Port Authority the exorbitant and abusive practices of the taxis operating at the Cebu City ports.

Lopez who represented CPA General Manager Angelo Verdan at the meeting said they have conducted an investigation and found out that such taxi drivers are present outside the CPA jurisdiction.

Lawyer Tereso Balangkig, Civil Sector Representative to the RPOC-7, said he has personally observed the alleged abusive practices of taxi drivers.

Nerez assured Garcia that an investigation will be conducted on the matter. — Jose P. Sollano/JMO (THE FREEMAN)