Huge tasks: Can DOTr deliver?

The efficient flow of commercial goods and the seamless daily routine of passengers are the most basic capability that any economy must possess.

- ARIEL NEPOMUCENO

Without these, the road to a meaningful inclusive progress will be deterred by obstacles that will continuously deprive our people of the comfort and economic strength that have long been overdue.

In my column last Feb. 28, 2025, I discussed, and actually apologized to our tourists, for the abuses being committed by cab drivers plying in our airports. I personally heard the complaints of a tourist from the United Kingdom when my friends and I were having coffee while waiting for our flights. He was on his way to Puerto Princesa while my companions and I were going to Zamboanga City to attend the retirement testimonial for our colleague. The tourist showed the receipt which proved the unreasonable fare charged to him for transferring from a nearby terminal.

More than three weeks ago, we've seen Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon fumingly mad at a taxi driver who overcharged a local passenger who had a similar experience as the foreign tourist I met. It's safe to assume that this abusive practice is rampant. Then a few days ago, the said driver blew the whistle and implicated several personnel of the airport police as the reason for the embarrassing racket.

And typical of the no-nonsense leadership of the young DOTr chief, Secretary Vince suspended the operations of the taxi company whose franchise turned out to be expired already. The company which failed to monitor and discipline its erring driver is now faced with its own problems.