LTFRB probes taxi drivers in transport contracting case

MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) will be probing the taxi drivers who, instead of using the fare meter, offered a contract to two Thai pageant winners.

LTFRB Chairman Vigor Mendoza II said the investigation would not be limited to the two drivers involved in the incident but also the taxi operators.

“We will be coordinating with the Philippine National Police to get all the necessary information that could lead to the identification of the taxi drivers. We will be providing the information needed for the identification of the operators and, eventually, in holding all of them accountable,” Mendoza said.

Based on the report, the incident happened on June 13 during the visit of two Thai models for an event in the country.

The two hailed a cab, but the driver allegedly refused to use the taxi meter and opted for a contract. 

Later, the driver stopped the vehicle, claiming that the car bogged down. The driver allegedly connived with another cab driver in stealing the cellular phone of the foreign model.

“This is not acceptable. We assure the victims that we will exhaust all measures to hold these drivers accountable. And even their operators will not be spared,” Mendoza said.

He said the LTFRB would issue show-cause orders to the drivers and operators.