14 erring taxi drivers nabbed in Makati

Members of the Makati Traffic Enforcement Unit (MTEU) arrested 14 erring taxi drivers for refusing to take commuters during a recent operation conducted at the Makati Central Business District (CBD).

Senior Inspector Estela Lomat, MTEU chief, said the violators who are referred to as "choosy cab drivers" were apprehended for discrimination of passengers, overcharging and contracting, and refusal to convey passengers to their destination.

The erring drivers, whose driver’s licenses were confiscated, were ordered to pay a fine of P1,000 as prescribed by the New Makati Traffic Code.

Lomat said the campaign against unscrupulous drivers is in line with Mayor Jejomar Binay’s directive to permanently monitor such practice in the city, particularly within the CBD where tourists and local mall shoppers often use taxis.

"We fully support Mayor Binay’s order to have a year-round campaign against abusive drivers. It is a laudable campaign as it reflects city government’s genuine concern for visitors and shoppers in Makati," Lomat said.

Lomat is urging passengers to report abusive cab drivers to law enforces deployed in the area, or to call the MTEU at 899-9907 or the Department of Public Dafety (DPS) hotline at telephone numbers 819-3270 to 71 for assistance. – Rhodina Villanueva