The Public Order and Safety Office (POSO) in Calasiao, Pangasinan is monitoring alleged overcharging in tricycles during the holiday season.
Recently, a student was charged P50 for a tricycle ride to her home in Barangay Dinalaoan from Calasiao Comprehensive National High School.
Soriano said the fare should only be P20, making the additional P30 unfair.
"Ang mahal, dapat P20 lang kasi estudyante pa lang eh, para silang mayaman, OA (over acting) ang bayad," the student said.
Another commuter shared his approach to dealing with drivers who allegedly overcharge.
"Nakikiusap ako doon sa driver kung ilan yung magiging pasahe doon, tapos kung ilang ang additional," Sabusap said.
Some tricycle drivers said unregistered or 'kolorum' drivers who operate mainly during late hours are allegedly the ones who overcharge.
Alejandro Joves said this practice is unfair to legitimate drivers like him who hold permits and follow the rules.
"Para sa amin, unfair naman ‘yan. Kumbaga, kaming mga legal na namamasada, may prangkisa, naka-for hire. So unfair talaga ‘yan. Legal kaming namamasada tapos sila, kolorum," Joves said.
POSO said they know about the issue but no complaints have been filed before the office. Deputy Chief Bernadie Mejia said the public can reach out directly to POSO for assistance.
"Mayroon naman kaming office. Alam nila rito. Puwede naman silang dumulog dito. Aaksyunan po ng POSO chief," Mejia said.
Mejia also clarified that the minimum fare for tricycles in Calasiao is P20, and violators will be fined if found overcharging passengers.