ILOILO City – The Land Transportation Office (LTO) in Western Visayas has directed the operator of a taxi accused of overcharging a local vlogger to explain the incident, which has sparked public outrage and threatened to tarnish the city’s reputation as a tourist-friendly destination.
The controversy arose when a vlogger known as “Mamita Lakwatsera” uploaded a video on Facebook detailing her alleged experience.
She claimed the driver of a taxi bearing the logo of Light of Glory Taxi Services Inc. and body number 0076 bypassed the mandated taxi meter and charged a flat rate of P600 for a ride from Mandurriao district to Iloilo International Airport around 4:30 a.m. on January 17, 2025.
LTO Region 6 director Atty. Gaudioso P. Geduspan II issued a show cause order to Emmanuel E. Ferros, of Light of Glory Taxi.
Ferros has five days to submit a written explanation or face the potential suspension or revocation of the taxi driver’s license, citing Section 27 of Republic Act No. 4136 as amended by RA 10930.
Failing to comply with the order will result in the case being decided based on existing evidence.
The LTO-6 stressed that bypassing the taxi meter is a violation of public transportation regulations and damages Iloilo City’s efforts to promote itself as a top tourist destination.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Region 6 has also summoned the taxi operator for a hearing.
Acting Director Atty. Salvador Altura Jr. stressed that all taxis must use metered rates as stipulated in their franchise agreement.
“Not using the meter is a clear violation and undermines public trust,” Altura said, adding that transparency in fare computation is crucial for passenger confidence.
Mayor Jerry Treñas expressed dismay over the incident, stating that such actions undermine Iloilo City’s efforts to enhance its image as a hospitable and tourist-friendly destination.
“As we prepare for the Dinagyang Festival, I want to ensure our transportation services meet the highest standards of fairness and hospitality,” Treñas said. “Every visitor should leave with positive memories of Iloilo City.”
The incident has drawn public criticism, with the vlogger describing the experience as “an embarrassing moment” that negatively affected her impression of Iloilo City.
Local authorities are now pledging stricter enforcement of transportation rules to protect both residents and tourists.
This case also underscored the importance of adhering to regulatory standards to uphold Iloilo City’s reputation as a premier tourist destination./PN
