The Land Transportation Office (LTO) will be conducting surprise operations targeting taxi drivers in the National Capital Region (NCR) in anticipation of abuses amid the expected return of millions of people in Metro Manila after the Holy Week break.
Roque I. Verzosa III, director of the LTO- National Capital Region West, said he already instructed all his personnel to conduct :Oplan Isnabero” from April 11 to 14.
The LTO-NCR West covers the cities of Manila, Pasay, Makati, Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Muntinlupa, and Las Pinas.
" LTO enforcers will be stationed at bus terminals to ensure that drivers who refuse to take passengers will be penalized," Verzosa said.
The directive was issued through Regional Office Order No. 54, which he signed on March 22. The purpose of the operation is to apprehend taxi drivers who refuse or selectively choose passengers on their way home from bus stations after a long vacation in their respective provinces.
The official then reminded taxi drivers to fulfill their responsibilities to the public diligently in response to the demand for public transportation services during the holidays.
“Due to the increasing number of travelers and commuters who require public transportation to reach their destinations, any form of passenger refusal would not be tolerated,” said Verzosa.
“Anyone caught engaging in such activities would face penalties and urged them to stop such behavior,” he added.
Refusal to render service to the public or convey passengers to their destination" is punishable by a fine ranging from P5,000 to P 15,000. Additionally, the violator's Certificate of Public Conveyance (CPC) may also be revoked.
Verzosa also urged the public to immediately report any incident of abuses of public utility vehicle drivers to the LTO for action.