The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) have launched a crackdown on illegal and overcharging taxis at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), in response to a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
On Saturday, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon and MIAA General Manager Eric Jose Ines led the operation at NAIA Terminal 3, catching two taxis — one of which was illegally operating under a truck franchise.
The crackdown, done with support from the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), aims to curb rampant overcharging and the presence of “colorum” taxis at the country’s main airport.
Dizon said firm enforcement and heavy penalties are needed to stop passenger exploitation.
Ines also revealed that internal reforms will target corrupt airport personnel after reports of a 60/40 extortion scheme involving members of the Airport Police Department (APD). The scheme required drivers to give a cut of their earnings, forcing them to inflate fares to recover losses.
One driver, arrested for overcharging a passenger P1,200 for a short ride, pointed to APD officers as the scheme’s masterminds.
Ines said a dedicated MIAA Investigating Committee has been formed to pursue administrative cases, gather evidence, and make formal recommendations. Five APD officers named in the report have already been relieved pending investigation.
The MIAA vowed full transparency and due process in holding those involved accountable.
