By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz

TAXI NABBED. Land Transportation Office (LTO) personnel find several other violations during the impoundment of a Toyota Vios taxi outside a hotel in Manila on Friday (Aug. 7, 2026), after its driver was arrested for allegedly overcharging a foreign vlogger. The LTO said the driver and taxi operator will face administrative charges, including for the vehicle’s expired registration and other traffic violations uncovered during the operation. (Photo courtesy of LTO)

MANILA – The Land Transportation Office (LTO) apprehended the driver of a taxi that went viral for scamming a foreign vlogger, days after the agency issued a show-cause order against him.

LTO Chief, Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao, and Law Enforcement Service Director Allan Nobleza led the operation that resulted in the driver’s arrest.

The taxi was immediately impounded and placed under alarm status, while the operator has been directed to explain its liability.

The operation also uncovered additional violations by the operator, including a defective headlight, an unregistered motor vehicle, and breach of franchise, which will be subject to corresponding administrative action by the LTO.

The LTO urged the public to immediately report similar incidents to ensure swift action and accountability against violators.

The arrest follows a show-cause order issued by the LTO on Thursday after a viral Facebook post on the page “MY RIDE PH” showed the driver allegedly attempting to charge a foreign passenger PHP2,000 for a ride from the airport to his destination.

An investigation by the LTO’s Intelligence and Investigation Division found that the taxi’s registration had expired and that the driver had pending administrative cases for other traffic violations.

The driver’s license was placed under a 90-day preventive suspension pending the case, which covers charges of compulsory registration of motor vehicles and overcharging. (PNA)