Taxi driver hits passenger across the face

A taxi driver is now at risk of losing his license after he was caught on camera hitting his passenger in the face during a heated argument.

In an exclusive report on GMA’s “24 Oras Weekend” on Sunday, the driver was identified as Romano Santos.

The passenger, identified only as "Ghie," had fallen asleep during the ride past 1:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 21 and woke up to his companion and the driver arguing about the route. They had asked Santos to take them to Anonas Street in Quezon City.

The video shows an angry and cursing Santos parking the vehicle at a gas station, where he told the two riders to get out.

Santos then got out of the vehicle, opened the door of the passenger seat, and slapped Ghie across the face.

“‘Di ko alam na sasapakin niya ako kasi naka-lock nga ‘yung pinto. Naniningil na siya non na, 'Bayaran niyo na ako'," Ghie said.

“Tinanong ko siya, 'Bakit niyo ako sinapak? Wala naman akong ginagawa.' Bigla siya naman po yung sumapak sakin. Sinapak niya po ako, tindyakan niya po ako eh. Natumba po ako dun,” Ghie added.

The video also shows Santos lunging at someone at the gas station.

Santos said that he was provoked by his passengers.

"Ang sagot kasi sa akin, ‘Bakit kami bababa dito? Gago ka ba, eh hindi naman dito nagpapahatid.’ Kaya nung una ayaw nila bumaba roon. Doon ako napilitan kung nakita niyo man na sinampal yung isa,” he said.

"Mumurahin nila ako... Siyempre umabot sa punto na hindi ko na na-control yung sarili ko,” he added.

The passengers will file physical injury complaints against Santos.

According to Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) board member Aileen Lizada, Santos could also have his license revoked should the allegations be proven in an investigation.

Overcharging cabbie

A separate report showed a taxi driver overcharging his passengers when he ordered them to pay P1,500 for a ride from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to a bus terminal in Sampaloc, Manila City.

The passenger said he also made them pay for gas and toll fees.

According to LTFRB's Lizada, they have already apprehended the said taxi driver.

"Nahuli na ho ng NAIA Airport Management 'yung taxi driver na 'yun. So kami, on the part of LTFRB, we will issue a show cause order on the operator and nag-coordinate na rin kami sa LTO for the possible cancellation of the license of the public utility driver," she said. — Jon Viktor D. Cabuenas/BM, GMA News