Taxi operators required to submit list of drivers

MANILA, Philippines - All taxi operators in the National Capital Region are required to submit a list of their authorized drivers to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

The LTFRB released a memorandum on Monday as part of the board's campaign to ensure the safety of the riding public from criminals disguising as taxi drivers.

“Dahil sa sunud-sunod na mga insidente na sangkot ang ilang mga taxi drivers sa pagsasagawa ng krimen katulad ng holdap, rape at iba pagsasamantala sa mga mananakay, kailangan nating magpatupad ng ordinansa upang masawata ang ganitong mga masamang tangka sa publiko,” LTFRB Chair Winston Ginez said.

Ginez noted that there has been a sharp increase in the number of complaints against "discourteous, arrogant, dishonest and irresponsible drivers."

The memo orders all taxi operators in the region to submit hard and soft copies of a list of their authorized drivers on or before Jan. 15, 2015.

To ensure that the list is updated on a regular basis, operators are required to submit the names of those who are no longer authorized to drive their units, as well as their new drivers every 15th and 30th of the month.

Taxi operators are also required to issue identification cards to their drivers, which shall be hanged in the rear view mirror of the taxi.

Drivers are also required to secure a certificate from LTFRB verifying their employment history. Operators will face cancellation, suspension or revocation of their franchise if a driver fails to acquire the said certificate.

Operators who will not comply with the provisions of the said memo will pay a fine of P5,000 for every violation.