Taxi driver fined, license confiscated

For caressing his 21-year-old passenger's leg, a 74-year-old taxi driver was fined P12,000 and his license confiscated by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board- 7.

Judilyn Lariosa narrated on Facebook that on October 6, she rode the taxi driven by Romeo Rivera bound for Cebu City Hall of Justice at Qimonda Building to attend the court hearing of her brother.

She said she was seated beside the driver and while on their way to her destination, the driver caressed her leg. Lariosa also posted a video which showed Rivera holding her hand.

Lariosa further narrated in her post that Rivera even asked for her cellular phone number to which she gave a wrong number.

The driver gave her his phone number in return, which led to him being traced.

Lariosa added that she was scared and trembling when she reached her destination and got off the taxi.

LTFRB Regional Director Ahmed Cuizon said he summoned Rivera and Lariosa after the latter's Facebook post came to their attention.

Cuizon added that during the hearing conducted yesterday afternoon, Rivera admitted to the allegations made by Lariosa.

After the hearing, Rivera was fined P12,000 for gross misconduct and gross disobedience and his driver's license was also confiscated.

In addition, the taxi operator was fined P2,000 for violation of the agency's Memorandum Circular 2011-004, or the Revised Terms and Conditions of Certificate of Public Convenience.