At least 11 public transport vehicles were apprehended in a continuing crackdown on drivers and operators who overcharge passengers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
A joint task force from the Philippine National Police -Aviation Security Group (PNP-Avsegroup), the Land Transportation Office (LTO), and the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) conducted simultaneous operations that resulted in the apprehension of several public utility vehicles, including taxis.
The drivers of these vehicles were apprehended for illegally contracting passengers and violating franchise regulations within the NAIA premises.
Authorities have intensified law enforcement at the NAIA following a viral video showing a taxi driver overcharging a passenger, raising public concerns over abusive transport practices at the airport.
The violations committed by the drivers fall under the provisions of Joint Administrative Order (JAO) 2014-01 which imposes a penalty of P5,000 for the first offense.
The apprehended drivers and their respective franchises are now undergoing evaluation, with a view to imposing appropriate administrative penalties based on the nature and frequency of the infractions.
Avsegroup acting director Brig. Gen. Jason Capoy said the success of crackdown operation was due to the assistance of the MIAA under general manager Eric Jose Ines; the New NAIA Infra Corp. under general manager Angelito Alvarez; and the Office for Transportation Security under the supervision of administrator Arthur Bisnar, along with other airport authorities.
"The recent incident serves as a wake-up call. These violations threaten our goal of providing safe and fair transport for all. That’s why we are working closely with the LTO, airport authorities, and other law enforcement agencies to monitor transport activities more aggressively. This is only the beginning of a series of sustained actions," Capoy said.
He also noted that this accomplishment supports the program of PNP Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III, whose leadership emphasizes the importance of accountability, responsive policing, and public-centered service.
MIAA is currently investigating allegations of a 60/40 extortion scheme that involves taxi drivers colluding with airport police personnel. This scheme, reportedly devised by some corrupt airport policemen, requires taxi drivers to pay a commission, forcing them to overcharge passengers to make up for their losses.
The scheme was exposed after a taxi driver was arrested for allegedly overcharging a passenger by ₱1,200 for a short trip between NAIA Terminals 3 and 2.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline: “Authorities flag 11 overcharging taxis, other PUVs in NAIA”
