By Rjay Zuriaga Castor
The Cebu City-based vlogger who alleged being charged a flat rate of PHP 600 by a taxi to the Iloilo International Airport has been asked to file a formal complaint, according to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board Region 6 (LTFRB-6).
Atty. Salvador “Jun” Altura, LTFRB-6 legal officer, told Daily Guardian that a formal complaint is required as the taxi driver’s account of the incident contradicts the vlogger’s claims.
“The statements of the driver are different from that of the vlogger. Most likely, I will require the vlogger to file a formal complaint and make his statements under oath,” Altura said in a Viber message.
According to Altura, the driver, who operates under the Light of Glory Taxi Services Inc., claimed that the trip from Zuri Hotel in Mandurriao district to the Iloilo International Airport was metered.
He added that the PHP 600 mentioned by the vlogger was a tip he had requested.
The LTFRB-6 summoned the driver on Monday to explain the incident.
While the driver complied, Altura stated that the taxi operator was given five additional days to submit a written account of the event.
Meanwhile, the LTFRB-6 is working to confirm the location of the vlogger, known online as Mamita Lakwatsera, to facilitate communication regarding the case.
Altura stressed that without a formal complaint, the case may be dismissed.
“If there are factual questions to resolve, the absence of the complaint will likely result in the closure of the case. We cannot penalize without substantial evidence,” he explained.
When asked if the LTFRB-6 is considering implementing fixed rates for trips outside Iloilo City, Altura said an advisory would be issued this week.
“We already issued an advisory. We are coordinating with the Land Transportation Office to help disseminate [it] to all concerned,” he said, without elaborating on the details of the advisory.
