14 PUVs Caught Overcharging at NAIA

14 PUVs Caught Overcharging at NAIA

By Bing Jabadan – Thenationweek.com  

July 10, 2025

MANILA, Philippines – A joint Philippine National Police-Aviation Security Group (PNP-AVSEGROUP) and Land Transportation Office (LTO) team has apprehended 14 public utility vehicles (PUVs) for overcharging passengers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

The operation, conducted on Tuesday (July 8, 2025) between 1 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., signaled the start of a crackdown on violators of transportation regulations, particularly on franchise breaches and passenger overcharging.

The LTO immediately issued temporary operator’s permits to the apprehended drivers.

The permits are also being issued for illegal contracting and refusal to transport passengers.

The apprehended drivers are now facing penalties and administrative actions as stipulated by LTO regulations.

The operation was supported by the New NAIA Infrastructure Corporation.

The move seeks to safeguard travelers from unscrupulous taxi operators at the NAIA, particularly those engaged in overpricing, unauthorized solicitation of passengers, and operating without the necessary franchise authority.

Aligned with the directives of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the initiative is being spearheaded by Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon.

Earlier, Dizon had ordered Transportation Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II and LTO Special Action Office chief Francis Ray Almra to intensify the crackdown on violators.

After being processed at the AVSEGROUP headquarters, the impounded vehicles were transferred to the LTO Central Office in Quezon City for further action.

“I reaffirm our commitment to enforcing the law decisively, serving with compassion, and upholding the dignity of every passenger we are sworn to protect,” declared Police Brig. Gen. Jason Capoy, PNP AVSEGROUP director.

“This operation is part of our ongoing campaign to promote integrity, safety, and lawful conduct not only within our airports but across the broader transportation landscape, shielding the riding public from abuse and exploitation,” he said.