After refusing to use a meter and escaping from the police, a taxi driver was arrested
TAGUIG – A taxi driver was arrested after allegedly refusing to use the meter for a passenger returning from vacation and even engaging in a chase with the police.
According to the couple, who wished to be referred to as “Ed” and “Madz,” the taxi driver demanded a fare of P3,500. They had just returned from vacation and only wanted to be dropped off in Antipolo. They wanted to save money because a ride-sharing app charged them P700, while they had paid P500 for the taxi ride from Antipolo to the airport when they left.
From the beginning, they found the driver’s actions suspicious as he took the stub given by the dispatcher and covered the meter with his cellphone, making it invisible to the couple. While “Ed” was thinking of a solution, he happened to spot a police officer, so he told the driver to pass by the policeman.
Corporal Carmina Villena from the Bonifacio Global City police station quickly responded. The incident turned into a short chase, but eventually, the suspect was apprehended.
The taxi driver denied the accusations made against him. He explained that his taxi only operates within Metro Manila and does not cover Antipolo.
“Yung linya po ng taxi ko, within Metro Manila. Ngayon po, tama po yon, noong sinakay ko po yung bag niya…sabi ko ‘Sir, malayo na po yon, out of Metro Manila na.’ Eh sabi niya i-metro mo. Eh sabi ko ‘Sir, may tariff rate kami,” he said.
The driver will face multiple criminal charges, including grave coercion, theft, unjust vexation, and disobedience to a person in authority. Additionally, he will be cited for disregarding a traffic officer, reckless driving, and discrimination against the passenger, as traffic violations.
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