Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso on Saturday told public utility drivers in the city not to overcharge their passengers, especially now that the capital is in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic.
Domagoso’s pronouncement came after receiving complaints that some unscrupulous drivers of pedicabs and tricycles are making their passengers pay more than what is actually allowed under the fare rate set by the city government.
The mayor said he himself was once a driver of a pedicab but said he never duped anyone and earned a living in a fair manner.
“What goes around, comes around. Let’s fear karma,” he said.
Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau chief Dennis Viaje was tasked by Domagoso to meet with the drivers and warn them against taking undue advantage of their passengers.
The drivers, according to Domagoso, are supposed to charge only P20 for the first kilometer and then P5 for every additional half kilometer.
Domagoso said having a “contract” for fees between drivers and passengers instead of following the rate was not allowed and that any abuses would not be tolerated.
He also appealed for compassion to others during these difficult times.
He stressed that just like the said drivers themselves, the passengers were also hard up on money, otherwise they would be riding in cars.