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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Know your rights: LTFRB says passengers can file complaint vs dirty, smelly PUVs

Know your rights: LTFRB says passengers can file complaint vs dirty, smelly PUVs

Published Jun 13, 2026 12:33 pm  |  Updated Jun 13, 2026 02:00 pm
Did you know that you can actually file complaint against smelly and untidy public utility vehicles?
This passenger right is what the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) was trying to emphasize when it summoned a cab owner for operating a dirty taxi.
No less than LTFRB chairman Vigor D. Mendoza II filed the complaint when he encountered a taxi with license plate AAO 8576 in the Intramuros area in Manila on Thursday, June 11.
For Mendoza, dirty and smelly taxis have no place in the public transportation system since they not only violate the LTFRB rules and regulations but also disrespect their passengers who happened to be the operators and drivers’ bread and butter.
“Let me remind both operators and drivers that their authority to operate is not a right but a privilege that comes with a responsibility of maintaining not only road worthiness but presentability of each unit,” said Mendoza.
“Operating untidy PUVs does not only violate our rules and regulations, it also disrespects the passengers. We will not allow this so they better comply or lose the authority to operate,” he added.
Mendoza said the LTFRB already issued a show cause order (SCO) to the taxi operator.
In the SCO, the operator was asked to explain in notarized writing why its franchise should not be revoked or suspended for operating a dirty taxi. 
The operator was also mandated to bring the taxi unit to the LTFRB Central Office for inspection on June 15. The hearing of the case will be on June 30.
Mendoza warned that defiance of the SCO will give the LTFRB the authority to rule on the issue based on available evidence aside from the P5,000 fine.
The LTFRB said passengers could send their complaints to the agency’s social media accounts and Hotline 1342.
Aside from taxis, the complaints can also be filed against dirty and smelly passenger jeepneys, buses, UV Express and even ride-hailing cars. 
“Let us work together not only to keep our roads safe but in ensuring that passenger rights and protection are respected and observed,” said Mendoza.

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