SENATOR Ronald Dela Rosa on Thursday asked the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) XI to further look into the case of a midwife who complained to a taxi driver after asking for an overcharged fare.
“I just received a text message coming from LTFRB regional director Nonito Llanos informing me that he has already directed STC taxi company to explain why and brought his driver,” Dela Rosa told reporters on Thursday evening at the sidelines of PRO XI director Brig Gen Alden Delvo’s retirement ceremony.
In his explanation to the TEU, the driver said he explained to the passenger why they changed routes to avoid traffic.
“Anyway I did not get his explanation,” he said.
However, Dela Rosa did not somehow believe the driver’s explanation since he is also a Davaoeño who knows the areas with heavy traffic.
Meanwhile, the senator did not get the name of the midwife who complained to the taxi cab driver but he advised Llanos to look over the midwife if the convention at SMX is still ongoing since the midwife is one of the attendees.
“The midwife was just walking around at SM and approached me. She went down from the convention and asked for help because I was deceived by a taxi driver,” Dela Rosa explained their conversation with the midwife.
“As I’ve said I’m not complaining about you Mr. taxi driver unless I hear your side that’s why I said you explain, it’s okay whatever his explanation I have to receive it,” he further said.
Meanwhile, Davao City Police Office director Col Richard Bad-ang promptly took action in response to the post made by the senator.
He ordered the Traffic Enforcement Unit (TEU), led by Lt Col Dexter Domingo, to invite the involved taxi driver to their office for an interview.
Based on the gathered statement, it was revealed that on the afternoon of April 24, 2024, the driver avoided heavy traffic and chose to take the passenger from Davao airport to Carlos P. Garcia Highway, passing Bypass Road in Ma-a, and Quirino Street, before reaching C. M. Recto, where the passenger booked the Avida Hotel.
The anonymous complainant was also encouraged to come and contact the unit for fairness and clarity on the matter. “DCPO, as an implementing agency, adheres to the mandate we follow, to serve and protect. Rest assured that all issues and complaints from the city’s residents and tourists alike that the organization receives will be given focus and importance. We listen to all sides and will sanction accordingly those who are found at fault,” the statement said.