ILOILO City — A taxi operator faces possible franchise revocation while its driver has been suspended for 90 days after a viral road rage incident in Jaro district exposed serious concerns over passenger safety and the screening of public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers.
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) in Western Visayas ordered the preventive suspension of the Blue Taxi driver’s license following a November 11 confrontation in Barangay Ungka, where he was caught on video attempting to hack a motorcycle rider with a binangon (bolo).
The incident became particularly alarming after footage showed that the taxi was carrying a passenger when the driver brandished the bladed weapon.
LTO Region 6 director Atty. Gaudioso P. Geduspan II signed the suspension order on November 12 and directed the driver to surrender his license to the agency’s Intelligence and Investigation Unit pending administrative proceedings.
“Tama ka delikado nga may muni nga temperament ang aton mga driver,” Geduspan said.
Initial police reports indicated that the confrontation began when the taxi driver allegedly cut off the motorcycle rider, triggering a heated exchange.
The driver subsequently drew from his vehicle a bolo.
LTO-6 cited possible violations of Section 48 of Republic Act No. 4136, or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, concerning reckless driving, and Title IV, Paragraph 7 of Joint Administrative Order No. 2014-01, which penalizes discourtesy, arrogance and improper conduct among PUV drivers and operators.
Separate show cause orders were issued to the driver and the taxi operator, requiring them to submit sworn written explanations.
Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon also backed the regulatory action, warning that the taxi operator’s franchise could be revoked.
Geduspan, meanwhile, urged taxi operators throughout Western Visayas to strengthen their screening of driver applicants, stressing that operators share responsibility for ensuring that only qualified and disciplined individuals are entrusted with passenger transport.
Blue Taxi management acknowledged the incident and confirmed that it was conducting an internal investigation.
The case has intensified scrutiny of taxi operators’ responsibility to protect passengers from drivers whose aggressive behavior could endanger commuters and other road users./PN