BEING courteous shouldn’t be limited to public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers.
Regional Director Arnel Tancinco of the Land Transportation Office (LTO-7) said motorists should also be courteous to other people.
“Discourteous drivers can be penalized under the Joint Administrative Order (JAO) 2014-01,” Tancinco said.
Tancinco issued this reminder in response to the incident involving taxi driver Bebiano Dapal, Jr., who was accused of cursing and demanding P2,000 from his 26-year old female passenger after her nephew vomited inside his taxi.
Under JAO 2014-01, drivers displaying reckless, insolent, discourteous, and arrogant behavior will be fined P5,000 for the first offense.
Second offense will be a P10,000 fine and the impounding of one’s vehicle while the third offense calls for a P15,000 fine and cancellation of the certificate of public convenience (CPC) for public utility vehicles.
How does one identify discourteous and arrogant drivers?
“Kanang motulisok ka sa pasahero (When one points a finger at a passenger) or pedestrian, it is considered as discourteous. Kanang mosyagit sab ka (When you shout at a person), it is discourteous,” he said.
Even blocking or obstructing the road is also considered as such, Tancinco said.
When this behavior becomes habitual, he said it can also affect an applicant’s renewal of license.
Tancinco advised the 26-year old woman to file a complaint before their office against Dapal.
If there is evidence to back her complaint, Tancinco said the driver can be penalized for overcharging.
The 26-year old female passenger rode Dapal’s taxi with her mother, one-year old nephew and 13-year-old cousin as they headed out of barangay Talamban toward the Birhen sa Regla Church in Lapu-Lapu City.
The one-year old boy vomited inside the taxi due to the heat and traffic.
The cab stopped across University of Cebu Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue Campus (UCLM) since they bought towels and alcohol to wipe the floor and the baby.
As they got off the taxi, Dapal allegedly cursed and demanded P2,000 from the passenger. The woman paid the P170 fare.
Both Dapal and his employer were summoned to a hearing by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB-7) today.