The government has expanded its campaign against public transport providers that overcharge airline passengers.
In addition to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, the crackdown now covered the airports in Mactan, Davao, Catarman, and General Santos. Authorities are also running after abusive taxis and public transport vehicles operating illegally at these airports.
So far, the campaign resulted in the apprehension of nine taxis and two motorcycles operating at the NAIA, five taxis at Mactan-Cebu International Airport, one motorcycle taxi at Catarman Airport, another taxi at Davao International Airport, and seven UV Express vans at General Santos City International Airport.
This brought the total number of apprehended taxis, motorcycles, and other public transport vehicles to 46.
According to the Philippine National Police – Aviation Security Group (PNP-Avsegroup), this initiative supports the directive of President Marcos and Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon to combat colorum vehicles and unauthorized taxi operators.
The campaign was launched in close coordination with several government agencies, including the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), the Land Transportation Office (LTO), and the New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC).
The erring vehicles were cited for overcharging and violations of contracting regulations. Some have already been impounded and currently in the custody of the LTO central office.
“This operation continues to ensure that taxi drivers comply with the law for the betterment of our tourism,” PNP Avsegroup director Brig. Gen. Jason Capoy said.
Dizon previously ordered the installation of large signs for the free inter-terminal shuttle at Manila airport to help passengers easily locate the service. This initiative aims to prevent passengers from being forced to take overpriced taxis and other unscrupulous public transport services at the airport.
The NNIC provides inter-terminal shuttle buses that run every 15 minutes at the NAIA, making it faster and more convenient for passengers to shuttle between terminals at no charge.
The heightened enforcement was in response to mounting incidents of overcharging at the NAIA.
One incident highlighted a 60/40 sharing scheme involving taxi drivers and personnel from the Airport Police Department (APD). This setup was exposed after a taxi driver was arrested for overcharging a passenger by ₱1,200, with APD members allegedly receiving 40 percent of the fare, creating an additional financial burden on passengers.
As a result, five APD personnel have been relieved of their positions over alleged complicity in the racket.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline: “Authorities expand ops against errant transport providers in airports”
