Luigi wants safe taxi loading, unloading zones

CEBU, Philippines - Mandaue City Mayor Gabriel Luigi Quisumbing is asking the City Council to pass an ordinance mandating entertainment venues to designate loading and unloading zones for taxi to stop the abuses committed by some cab drivers.

Quisumbing will be requiring the establishments to put up CCTV cameras at the loading and unloading zones.

"I will be asking the City Council to mandate the establishment of designated taxi and vehicle stops outside entertainment venues and require a CCTV camera to be pointed at the loading/unloading zone to ensure that we will be able to apprehend anyone that attempts to do something similar in the future just as quickly as we did a few weeks ago," Quisumbing said.

The move of the mayor came after an incident few weeks ago where a young lady left a bar in a taxi by herself.

The taxi driver took advantage of the drunkenness of his passenger by bringing her into a motel and raped her. The driver was immediately arrested by the police.

Quisumbing reminded the riding public to have someone they know to get the body number of the taxi while riding alone at night, especially if they are under the influence of alcohol.

"That way, your friend or family member can monitor your whereabouts and your safe departure or arrival," the mayor said.

There is already a pending House Bill No. 4016 or the proposed "Taxi Passenger Bill of Rights Act" which enumerates the right of taxi passengers and provides penalties to erring cab drivers.

The proposed law requires taxi drivers to display their identification card. The ID shall indicate the driver's name, his picture, taxi operator's information and contact number.  The bill also requires the driver to be properly dressed and courteous in dealing with passengers and keep the taxi clean, smoke-free and good repair with assistance, animal or portable mobility aid. In case of mechanical trouble, there shall be a substitute taxi or an assistance to get one.

Under the Taxi Passenger Bill of Rights, the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board shall release the resolution of complaints filed for violation of passenger's rights within seven days after mediation or adjudication.

Violators shall be penalized with fine ranging from P500 to P10,000 depending on the violation and suspension of the taxi driver's license and/or the certificate of public convenience. (FREEMAN)