Taxi driver Ramon Go probably thought he got away clean after overcharging a returning seafarer at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 last month of up to P1,200. That is, until airport police caught up with him.
Reports coming from the Manila International Airport Authority-Police Intelligence and Investigation Division (MIAA-PIID) bared that victim Earl Buna had just arrived from Samar last March 28 when he hailed Go's driven white taxi along Andrews Avenue across the airport.
The victim asked Go to bring him to Makati City but the former didn't notice that the cab's meter hadn't been flagged down. As a result, Buna was shocked to be charged with P1,200 by Go upon reaching the destination.
At first, the overseas Filipino worker (OFW) didn't want to cough out the unreasonable amount and argued with Go. But with his protest going nowhere, Buna opted to pay the fare.
The passenger then filed a complaint against the taxi driver before the police, and afterwards made a post about the incident on his Facebook account to warn other airport passengers about the unscrupulous cabbie.
The MIAA-PIID headed by inspector Jesus Ducusin subsequently conducted an operation that led to the arrest of the driver, who was again spotted along Andrews Avenue in front of NAIA Terminal 3 last Thursday, April 15. Go admitted to overcharging Buna during interrogation and even expressed willingness to return the money.
The police notified Buna via Facebook messenger about the driver's capture. They then took Go to the OFW's residence for a face off.
In perhaps a very humbling meeting, Go returned the P1,200 to Buna, which the latter immediately accepted. In the end, the seafarer decided not to pursue charges for humanitarian reasons.