Foul-Mouthed Cabbie Awaits LTFRB Ruling

Transport officials will soon release a decision whether to cancel or not the driver’s license issued to a cab driver who was accused of cursing and overcharging a passenger.

Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) board member Atty. Ariel Inton said that the Board awaited the final decision of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) before penalties are meted out on cab driver Roger Catipay.

“We have already submitted a recommendation to the LTO,” Inton said referring to the cancellation of Catipay’s driver’s license.

Catipay was the cab driver in the viral video who demanded a fare of Php 250 from his two lady passengers while the fare on the meter only read Php 140. After the passenger declined, he was shown in the video to have yelled, cursed and threatened the passengers.

The incident happened along POEA, EDSA corner Ortigas Avenue, Mandaluyong City involving a cab with plate number UWB-666.

Inton pointed out that it was also possible that the AFG taxi operator, Ariel Gamboa will be fined a penalty of Php 5,000 for overcharging.

So far, complainant Joanna Garcia, who was present during the hearing, has formally filed cases of unjust vexation, threat, and possible minor injury against Catipay.

Also present was the lawyer representing Gamboa, Atty. Richard Palaypay. The driver, Catipay, is currently detained in Camp Karingal in Quezon City.

Inton noted that if in case the Board arrives at an advanced decision on the case, it will be against the operator. The LTO will decide on the case of the driver but criminal charges will still continue in court.

He meanwhile urged commuters with similar predicaments to continue to report erring public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and operators to the LTFRB through its hotline number 1342 or social media. (PNA) RMA/ANP