LTO Suspends 11 NAIA Taxi, TNVS Drivers’ Licenses for Overcharging Passengers

LTO Suspends 11 NAIA Taxi, TNVS Drivers’ Licenses for Overcharging Passengers

By Wilma N. Yamzon – TheNationWeek.Com | August 7, 2025

QUEZON CITY, Philippines – The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has suspended the licenses of 11 taxi and transport network vehicle service (TNVS) drivers for allegedly overcharging airport passengers.

The move signaled the agency’s renewed drive to end fare overcharging and abusive practices by drivers, particularly at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3.

LTO chief and Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II announced the 90-day suspension of the drivers’ licenses on Monday, August 4, 2025, during a meeting that focused on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to hold unscrupulous public utility vehicle drivers and operators accountable.

“The suspensions serve as a warning that we will not tolerate the exploitation of commuters by drivers, especially at the NAIA,” Mendoza said.

“These drivers mistakenly believed our crackdown would end. They are mistaken. Their actions undermine the integrity of the transportation system and damage the reputation of the many honest drivers who serve the public,” he added.

A recent joint LTO and Philippine National Police – Aviation Security Group operation targeted drivers engaged in illegal contracting, refusing service, and inflating fares.

The operation highlighted the LTO’s intensified efforts to protect passengers from “predatory” drivers.

According to Mendoza, Secretary Dizon had issued a clear mandate to the LTO to aggressively pursue abusive taxi and TNVS drivers.

“Secretary Dizon has made it clear that we must relentlessly pursue these individuals,” Mendoza said.

“Their behavior not only harms passengers but also casts a shadow on the vast majority of honest and hardworking drivers.”

To bolster enforcement efforts, the LTO is deploying personnel to NAIA terminals to swiftly address incidents of overcharging and other drivers’ violations.

A preliminary investigation by the LTO’s Intelligence and Investigation Division, led by Chief Renante Melitante, showed that the suspended drivers allegedly demanded fares ranging from P200 to P700 for short trips between NAIA Terminal 1 and Terminal 3.

Melitante said the practice is a blatant exploitation of travelers, particularly those unfamiliar with local rates.

Each driver has been issued a show cause order, requiring them to explain why their licenses should not be permanently revoked due to their unsuitability to operate a public vehicle.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board is conducting separate legal proceedings that may result in further penalties, including the revocation of operation franchises.