Probe into abusive airport taxis sought

MANILA, Philippines - Two lawmakers called on the House of Representatives to conduct an inquiry into reports of overcharging by accredited airport taxicabs at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

Under House Resolution 1028, Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez and his brother, Abante Mindanao party-list Rep. Maximo Rodriguez, called on the House Committee on Transportation to summon officials of the Department of Transportation and Communications, the Manila International Airport Authority, and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board during the public hearing to shed light and resolve the issue.

Rodriguez said ordinary taxis charge a flag down rate of P40 and P3.50 for every 300 meters while metered airport taxis, which are painted yellow, charge a P70-flag down rate and P4 for every 300 meters.

"These yellow taxis are taking advantage of this and are even charging passengers for fixed rates without using their meters," he said.

Rodriguez said despite higher rates, passengers are forced to take these yellow taxis due to an alleged verbal policy at the NAIA Terminal 3 that has prevented them from hailing cabs at the airport's departure area.

The passengers are told to line up for the queue for the yellow taxis, Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez cited a report where a passenger has been charged P620.00 from the airport to the Mall of Asia (MOA) after being shown a laminated piece of paper that listed the rates.

Rodriguez said arriving passengers also complain that they are being blocked by barriers and security personnel from exiting through the NAIA 3 departure area to look for standard-meter taxis.

"There is a need to address this situation as these unscrupulous taxi drivers that operate in international airports can give the country a bad name as soon as visitors step into Philippines," he said.

Rodriguez said MIAA officials used to allow a taxi queue for up to five regular cabs at the departure area for months only to face mounting complaints of overcharging, extortion and padding of fares.

The MIAA said that the rates of airport-accredited transport are approved not by them but by the LTFRB.