Taxi driver in Davao City begs for forgiveness over alleged overcharging

• Davao taxi driver pleaded for forgiveness after being accused of overcharging
• Viral complaint showed a nearly P3,000 fare for a short 12-kilometer trip
• Driver claimed he misread the money handed to him
• LTFRB-11 is investigating and may impose penalties if overcharging is confirmed

A taxi driver in Davao City was seen kneeling and crying as he pleaded for forgiveness from a passenger who accused him of overcharging a nearly P3,000 fare for a 12-kilometer trip.

According to a report by Jandi Esteban for GMA Regional TV One Mindanao, the confrontation between the driver and the complainant, Ronnie Suicano, took place on Tuesday at the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board – Region XI (LTFRB-11) office.

The LTFRB summoned the taxi driver after Suicano’s social media post went viral. In the post, he shared how he and his wife were charged P2,970 for a ride from Davao International Airport to the Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT).

The distance between the two locations is just over 12 kilometers.

Suicano stated that the taxi meter was running unusually fast during the ride.

When questioned, the driver reportedly responded, “Wala akong magagawa, ganyan talaga ’yan.”

During the LTFRB-11 hearing, the driver explained that he mistakenly believed the passenger handed him three P100 bills, totaling P300.

Only later did he realize the money was actually three P1,000 bills.

However, by the time he noticed the error, the couple had already left.

Suicano, on the other hand, remained firm that the meter showed P2,970 and that he questioned the rate mid-trip due to its rapid increase.

LTFRB-11 officials stated they are conducting a thorough investigation.

If found guilty of overcharging, the taxi driver faces the possibility of losing his license and could face fines, along with the operator of the taxi.

News, photos, or videos that arouse the interest of netizens would often go viral on social media, due to the attention netizens give them. These viral posts appeal to the emotions of netizens, and in rare cases, this could also happen to ordinary people, making them very relatable.

In a previous report by KAMI, Josh Mojica, the Owner and CEO at Kangkong Chips Original, has been in hot water recently for his viral video. In a Facebook video he uploaded on July 2, Mojica was seen driving on EDSA inside his sports car. However, he was also holding his phone while recording a quick clip of himself, his car, and the road. The video went viral and has called the attention of the Land Transportation Office, resulting in Mojica's driver's license being suspended for 90 days.

Additionally, the Land Transportation Office issued a show cause order against "Yanna," a motorcycle vlogger. This was after the viral road rage video where she and a pickup driver got into a confrontation while driving on a rough road in Zambales. It can be recalled that Yanna has already issued a public apology through a Facebook video. In relation to this, Senator JV Ejercito noted that although a public apology has been made by the moto-vlogger, she must still face the consequences of her actions.

Source: KAMI.com.gh