July 8, 2025
Davao City has long prided itself on being a place of discipline, order, and integrity. Tourists and locals alike have often cited its reputation for safety and honesty, especially in public transport. For decades, Davao was a model city where the usual horror stories of taxi scams, fare manipulation, and driver misconduct were unheard of — or, if they did occur, swiftly dealt with. But every now and then, one incident shakes the collective trust we have so carefully built. The recent case involving an elderly couple overcharged nearly P3,000 for a short 12-kilometer ride from the Davao International Airport to Ecoland’s Overland Transport Terminal is not just disappointing — it is infuriating.
Let’s be clear: this was not a simple misunderstanding. This was theft, plain and simple. A taxi driver, fully aware of his route and his responsibilities, took advantage of two vulnerable, elderly passengers — one of whom is a person with disability (PWD). In any decent society, this is not just a breach of ethics. It is a betrayal of public trust.
According to the social media post by their daughter, Ronelyn Franes Suicano, the couple had just returned home to Davao from Manila on the night of July 5. At around 9:51 PM, they boarded a taxi at the airport, expecting a straightforward ride that should have cost no more than P270 to P300. Instead, by the time they reached their destination, they were charged P2,970 — almost ten times the standard fare.
The father tried to argue, but the driver insisted that it was the correct reading on the meter. Not only were they overcharged, but the driver gave no receipt, no complaint stub, and quickly drove off after receiving the payment. All this under the cover of darkness and the silence of a city that should have protected its own.
The Cost of One Driver’s Greed
This isn’t just about one ride or one couple. This is about what kind of city we are and what we allow to happen on our watch. When someone — especially an elderly passenger with a disability — is exploited in this manner, it sends a loud and painful message: that even in a city like Davao, where discipline is expected and enforced, predators can still operate.
Worse, these actions ripple out. One greedy driver can erode years of hard-won trust. Tourists will think twice. Local commuters will ride with anxiety. And honest taxi drivers — of which Davao still has many — will now have to work harder to prove they are not like him.
Justice Served, But Damage Done
Thankfully, due to the courage of Ronelyn in speaking out and the swift action by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Region XI, the driver has been identified and summoned, facing investigation and disciplinary proceedings. He has since apologized, claiming he was “confused” and “mistook” the three P1,000 bills for P100 bills. That explanation, frankly, strains credulity.
He only realized the “mistake” once he was summoned? He couldn’t issue a receipt or return the extra cash on his own accord? This isn’t a momentary lapse — it’s a calculated act followed by a clumsy excuse.
The LTFRB’s actions in this case should be commended. But let us not stop there. This is a wake-up call, not a one-off anomaly to be brushed aside.
Let This Be the Last
To all taxi operators and drivers in Davao: if you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem. If you are manipulating your meters, coercing passengers into “contracting” fares instead of using the meter, or targeting travelers unfamiliar with local rates — know this: your actions disgrace your uniform, your livelihood, and your city.
And to passengers: be vigilant. Take note of plate numbers, insist on metered fares, and always demand receipts. Authorities must also invest more in visible warnings, complaint mechanisms, and real-time reporting systems at transportation hubs like airports and terminals. There should be zero tolerance for these acts.
A Legacy Worth Defending
Davao’s image as a city of order and decency was not built overnight. It is the result of consistent leadership, community cooperation, and a shared belief in mutual respect. But it only takes one bad actor to plant doubt, and that is why accountability must be swift and public.
Let us make an example of this case not to shame, but to warn. Let it be clear to every driver, operator, and passenger: in Davao, abuse of power — however small — will not be tolerated.
Because in the end, this isn’t just about a fare. It’s about fairness. It’s about dignity. And it’s about making sure that in this city we all love, trust remains non-negotiable.
Have you experienced something similar? Speak up. Let Davao remain the city where wrongdoers fear, and the innocent feel safe.