Taxi driver notorious for overcharging OFWs arrested at NAIA

The suspect

Manila—A taxi driver notorious for overcharging newly-arrived overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) was arrested yesterday (October 22) at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport [NAIA] Terminal 3.

Manila International Airport Authority [MIAA] general manager Ed Monreal identified the suspect as Friddie Mago, 49, driver of Jomea white taxi with plate no. TXY-831 and a resident of No. 6 E Rodriguez Corner FB. Harison Street, Pasay City.

According to Airport Police Senior Inspector Roderick Mejia, Mago was confronted by AP02 Joel Estole and asked for his driver’s license for illegally parking his taxi and obstructing traffic at bay 3 of the NAIA Terminal 3. He was also not wearing the proper uniform for taxi driver.

Mejia said the incident took place at 5:00 pm on October 22 when the suspect refused to give his license and started cursing AP02 Estole, prompted the airport police to arrest the suspect and bring him to the police office.

During investigation, the police discovered that Mago was a notorious driver who was previously arrested for contracting and overcharging passengers. A video posted by the suspect’s victims went viral on social media a few months ago, Mejia said.

On March 1, 2018, Mago was also arrested by then Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) board member and now Civil Service Commission (CSC) member Aileen Lizada for “contracting” passengers at the NAIA Terminal 3.

Mejia charged Mago with violations of paragraph 2 of Article 287 or Unjust Vexation; Article 151 or Resistance and Disobedience to a person in authority; and Article 148 or Direct Assault under the Revised Penal Code filed before the Pasay City Prosecutor’s Office.