Manila Airport taxi charges foreigner 2,000 pesos for a 5-minute trip — driver's license permanently revoked

📌 According to a video that went viral on Facebook on August 6, a Manila Airport (NAIA) taxi driver overcharged a foreign vlogger 2,000 pesos for a ride that took about 5 minutes.
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) apprehended the driver, impounded the vehicle, and permanently revoked his driver's license the next day, while the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) suspended the taxi's operations for 30 days.

■ Incident Details
· Demanded 2,000 pesos after taking a short trip of about 5 minutes from the airport to the destination
· The video shows the foreign passenger protesting that they were being scammed while handing over a handful of bills and coins
· The driver had picked up another person alongside the passenger during the trip
· Authorities identified the vehicle after the video posted on the Facebook page 'MY RIDE PH' went viral

■ Penalties & Current Status
· On August 7 (Friday), LTO enforcers apprehended the driver and impounded the taxi (Toyota Vios). Inspection also revealed an expired vehicle registration and a broken headlight, and the driver had previous traffic violation cases.
· The LTO first issued a 90-day preventive suspension of the license, followed by a decision after a hearing to permanently revoke the license and ban him from obtaining a license for life (reported on August 12).
· The LTFRB ordered a 30-day suspension of taxi operations, surrender of license plates, and a drug test for the driver. The operator must submit a notarized explanation at the August 19 hearing, and depending on the outcome, cancellation of the franchise is possible.
· The LTFRB Chairman stated, "No passenger, and certainly not foreign tourists who should be welcomed, should ever be treated this way."

■ Similar Case in the Same Month — 5,500 Pesos for Terminal-to-Terminal Transfer
· A taxi driver demanded a fixed rate of 5,500 pesos instead of using the meter from a Thai tourist trying to move from Terminal 3 to Terminal 1 on August 8 (the rate listed was even more expensive than the 4,500-peso fare to downtown hotels)
· The LTFRB ordered the operator to explain and appear on August 13.
· If you go to the wrong terminal, do not negotiate with taxis outside the airport; instead, ask the airport information desk first about how to travel between terminals (AutoIndustriya report, 1 location verified)

■ Notes for Expats and Travelers
· At the airport, make sure to check if the meter is turned on or ask about the fare before getting in. It is safer to avoid taxis that try to negotiate using a fixed rate sheet.
· Taking a photo of the taxi's license plate and vehicle number as soon as you get in provides evidence to identify the vehicle when reporting later, just like in this case.
· Overcharging or rude taxis can be reported to the LTFRB hotline at 1342 (per LTFRB Chairman's notice).

■ Sources
Daily Tribune (8/8), Maharlika NuMedia (8/8), Mabuhay News / Manila Bulletin reporters (8/8), Philstar (8/9), GMA News (8/12), Top Gear Philippines (8/12), AutoIndustriya (August, 5,500-peso terminal-to-terminal case)

■ Photos
LTO enforcers checking the broken headlight of the impounded taxi (Maharlika NuMedia)
LTO decision announcement — lifetime ban on obtaining a license (Top Gear Philippines)