A taxi driver was arrested for overcharging a returning seafarer from Samar last month, the Manila International Airport Authority said Sunday.
The victim, Earl Buna, was forced to fork out P1,200 for the trip from Andrews Avenue in front of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport-Terminal 3 to Makati City on March 28.
Buna said the suspect, Ramon Go, did not flag down the taximeter and instead charged him initially P1,350 for the ride, before agreeing to bring it down to P1,200.
The victim then filed a complaint before the MIAA-Police Intelligence and Investigation Division.
On Thursday, MIAA-PIID operatives pounced on the suspect whose vehicle they spotted along Andrews Avenue.
Go, during the interrogation, admitted overcharging his passenger.
“We all know that not all taxi drivers are bad. There are some who are living right and dignified. Let us follow their example and exemplify their diligence and perseverance,” said MIAA general manager Eddie Monreal.
The MIAA management had removed the designated queuing space for white taxis following the recurrence of abuse and other irregularities committed by taxi drivers against air travelers.
Among other infractions committed by the non-accredited taxi drivers were reckless driving, refusal to convey passengers, contracting, arrogance, no proper queuing and death threat to their clients.
The airport authority has accredited transport services ranging from car rentals to metered taxis. Except for car rentals, all MIAA transport service rates are approved by the LTFRB.
