LTFRB sets schedules for resealing of taxi meters

MANILA, Philippines—The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is reminding taxi operators around the country to subject their cabs to the annual “resealing” of meters, meant to ensure their proper calibration, or risk facing sanctions.

This comes amid frequent complaints from passengers about cabs whose meters appeared to have “fast” meters that result in overcharging by drivers and operators.

“We are getting a lot of complaints so we want to make sure that taxis are charging their passengers the correct amounts,” LTFRB Board Member Manuel Iway said in an interview on Thursday.

LTFRB seals on taxi meters are an assurance that these meters are properly calibrated, ensuring that passengers are charged fairly based on government-approved rates.

Iway said taxis with plate numbers ending in 1 and 6 should have their meters calibrated in January and June every year. Those with plates ending in 2 and 7 are scheduled for resealing in February and July; 3 and 8 in March and August; 4 and 9 in April and September; and 5 and 0 in May and October.

Those that have their taxis resealed after their scheduled dates will be fined P125 for every week of tardiness. Iway said that despite the need for resealing being clearly stipulated in all taxi franchises, many operators were still unaware of the requirement.

The operators of taxis caught with tampered meters will be punished with the cancellation of their permits to operate.

“All passengers need to do is to note down the plate number and trade name of the offending taxi and call the LTFRB if they have any complaints. We will be the ones to summon the offending taxi for the needed hearings,” Iway said.

Last January, Iway said a total of 4,500 taxis were subjected to resealing. There are currently a total of 49,649 taxis in the country, based on LTFRB records. More than half, or 27,622 units, are in Metro Manila.