Rider’s “Lifehack” Draws Criticism from DTI
LIFEHACK – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) called out a Move It rider for a viral social media post in which he admitted to withholding proper change from his passengers.
The rider revealed that he intentionally claimed to lack small bills or coins for change below ₱30, keeping the unreturned money to cover personal expenses, such as meals. This “lifehack,” as he called it, sparked outrage online.
The DTI clarified that this practice violates the No Shortchanging Act of 2016 (Republic Act 10909), a law designed to protect consumers. It mandates businesses and service providers to always give exact change to customers and prohibits rounding off or withholding amounts in their favor. Although ride-hailing platforms like Move It were not as prevalent when the law was enacted, the DTI confirmed that such services are covered under its provisions.
The penalties for violating the law are serious. First-time offenders may face fines, while repeated violations can result in license suspension or even the permanent cancellation of a business’s permit to operate. The DTI warned that strict compliance with the law is essential for all businesses, regardless of their size or platform.
Despite the backlash from netizens and the potential legal consequences, the rider refused to apologize. His actions have highlighted gaps in regulatory enforcement within ride-hailing services and sparked discussions about the accountability of such platforms.
The DTI urged passengers to report similar incidents to ensure that consumer rights are upheld. The department stressed the importance of fairness, honesty, and ethical practices in service delivery, especially in industries that deal directly with customers.
This incident serves as a reminder for ride-hailing companies to educate their drivers about consumer protection laws and enforce stricter internal policies to prevent such practices, ensuring trust and fairness in their services.
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