MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has suspended the licenses of 10 taxi and Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) drivers for 90 days after they were caught overcharging and illegally contracting passengers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

The move follows President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s directive to go after erring public transport drivers and is being implemented under the guidance of Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon.

LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II said the drivers were apprehended during a surprise operation at NAIA on June 25. Show cause orders (SCOs) have been issued to all those involved.

“We already informed these drivers of the suspension of their licenses for 90 days through the SCOs that we issued them. In other words, wala silang trabaho during that period, at ito ay dahil sa pananamantala sa ating mga kababayang commuter,” Mendoza said.

He stressed that the LTO would maintain regular operations at all NAIA terminals to ensure the area becomes a discipline zone.

The crackdown follows reports of several viral incidents, including a driver charging P1,300 for a short trip from Terminal 2 to Terminal 3, and another demanding over P5,000 for a ride from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2. A motorcycle taxi rider is also under investigation for allegedly charging a passenger P2,000 for a trip from NAIA to Cainta, Rizal.

“Hindi tayo papayag sa mga ganitong klaseng pang-aabuso. Kung kayang gawin ito sa mga kababayan natin, what more sa mga dayuhan na turista. Makakasama ito sa imahe ng ating bansa,” Mendoza warned.

Those apprehended face administrative charges for being deemed “improper persons to operate a motor vehicle,” a violation that carries a maximum penalty of license revocation.