As thousands of young athletes from across the country gather in General Santos City for Batang Pinoy 2025, the city is once again thrust into the national spotlight—this time, not for its hospitality or athletic prowess, but for an embarrassing case of tricycle overcharging.
A tricycle driver was caught red-handed demanding ₱250 from a group of delegates traveling a short distance—from Bulaong Terminal to Barangay Lagao, a route that should only cost around ₱15 to ₱20. The case sparked outrage online, and rightly so. Instead of showcasing the famed warmth of the “Home of Champions,” we are sending the wrong message: that visitors can be exploited the moment they set foot in our city.
According to Atty. Jong Gonzales, head of the Public Safety Office (PSO) of GenSan, the driver—known only as “Alias Boy”—has already admitted to overcharging the passengers. His tricycle has been impounded, and his provisional authority to operate has been revoked. Gonzales, along with the Traffic Enforcement Unit (TEU) led by Police Lt. Col. Patrich Elma, assured the public that the case will be brought before the MTFRB.
This decisive action is commendable. But it should not stop there. The problem of fare overpricing in GenSan is not new—and one suspension will not solve a long-running, systemic issue that has been ignored for too long.
The Shame of Overcharging
For years, commuters—locals and visitors alike—have complained of exorbitant tricycle fares, particularly around malls, terminals, and tourist areas. Fare matrices exist, yes, but many drivers blatantly disregard them. Passengers who question the fare are often met with rude remarks, while those in a hurry—especially first-time visitors—end up paying whatever is asked.
It’s not uncommon to hear reports of minimum fares inflated from ₱15 to ₱20 or more, depending on the area. And while authorities have occasionally issued advisories, enforcement remains weak.
This culture of tolerance toward overpricing tarnishes GenSan’s reputation. How can we promote tourism and local pride under the banner of “Tatak Heneral” if we allow such practices to persist? “Tatak Heneral” should mean discipline, fairness, and integrity—not dishonesty and exploitation.
Lessons from Other Cities
Zamboanga City, facing the same problem years ago, adopted a practical and proactive solution: deploying fare marshals in strategic areas such as terminals, malls, and convergence points. These marshals ensure compliance with fare rates and protect passengers from abuse.
Zamboanga also intensified its crackdown not only on colorum tricycles but on overcharging drivers—sending a clear message that dishonesty will not be tolerated. And it worked. Why can’t GenSan do the same?
A Call for Genuine Reform
The local government’s recent move to deploy free e-jeepneys for Batang Pinoy delegates is a good step, showing commitment to fairness and hospitality. But this should not be a one-time fix tied only to a national event.
GenSan needs systemic reform in its public transport regulation—one that protects commuters, strengthens enforcement, and holds violators accountable. Specifically:
- Strict and visible enforcement of fare matrices — Fare charts should be posted clearly inside tricycles and terminals, with penalties for non-compliance.
- Regular inspections and undercover monitoring — Authorities must conduct random checks to catch violators in the act.
- Public reporting mechanisms that work — A hotline or QR code-based complaint system would empower passengers to report abuse easily.
- Stronger penalties for repeat offenders — Fines, license suspension, or even revocation for those who repeatedly overcharge.
- Public awareness campaigns — Educate both drivers and passengers about fare rights and responsibilities.
The Bigger Picture
Batang Pinoy is not just a sports event—it’s a national showcase of values, teamwork, and youth excellence. Every tricycle ride, every street corner, every public interaction is part of the city’s image. Overcharging may seem small to some, but it reflects something much deeper: the erosion of trust and decency in public service.
If GenSan truly wants to uphold the spirit of “Magandang GenSan”, it must start by ensuring that fairness reaches even the smallest corners of our transport system.
The city’s leaders should ask themselves: what kind of “Tatak Heneral” do we want the world to see? One that cheats visitors—or one that welcomes them with honesty and pride?
Because at the end of the day, integrity—like our champions—is not proclaimed. It is proven in action.