Abusive Pinoy taxi drivers rapped by State Department

IT seems that the notoriety of some taxi drivers in the Philippines has got the attention of the United States, as the US State Department warned Americans against abusive taxi drivers, particularly those engaging in “contractual practices.”

The US State Department, in its travel section on the Philippines, under the country-specific information, issued guidelines for Americans when availing of taxi services in the country.

“Do not enter a taxi if it has already accepted another passenger and request that the meter be used. If the driver is unwilling to comply with your requests, please wait for another cab. It is also a good idea to make a mental note of the license plate number should there be a problem,” it said.

The problems and examples narrated by the advice mirror the everyday experience of commuters using taxis, particularly during peak seasons such as Christmas and other holidays.

The State Department also discouraged US citizens from taking other forms of public transportation, including the light rail transits, jeepneys and buses.

It urged too Americans to make sure doors are locked and the windows of their cars rolled up when they are driving.

“All other forms of public transportation, such as the light rail systems, buses, and ‘jeepneys’ should be avoided for both safety and security reasons,” the State Department said.

It added that crime is a significant concern in urban areas, with kidnappings and violent assaults occurring in Metro Manila and elsewhere.

Another guideline advised US citizens to remain aware of their surroundings and exercise good judgment.

ATM fraud
“Reports of confidence games, pickpocketing, Internet scams, and credit/ATM card fraud are common. US citizens should be wary of unknown individuals who attempt to befriend them, especially just after arrival in the country. It is best not to accept food, drink, or rides in private vehicles from strangers, even if they appear legitimate,” still another guideline said.

According to the State Department, US visitors should also be vigilant when using credit and debit cards.

“One common form of credit/ATM card fraud involves the illicit use of an electronic device to retrieve and record information, including the PIN [personal identification number], from the card’s magnetic strip.

The information is then used to make unauthorized purchases. To limit your vulnerability to this scam, never let your card out of your sight.

When using an ATM, be aware of your surroundings. Avoid ATM locations in dimly lit areas. Exercise caution when entering your ATM personal identification number code, to prevent observance by others.

Avoid ATM’s with unusual coverings attached to the card receiver,” it said.

The State Department cited warnings from the Philippine Banking Association about criminals attaching electronic scanners to ATM card receivers, also designed to illicitly retrieve and record information from the credit/debit card’s magnetic strip.

“In many countries around the world, counterfeit and pirated goods are widely available. Transactions involving such products may be illegal under local law. In addition, bringing them back to the United States may result in forfeitures and/or fines,” it said.

Meanwhile, the US reiterated its advice against a crowded Philippine road system with many drivers who are “undisciplined.”

Also, it noted there have been nine major inter-island ferryboat accidents in the last two years—eight with significant loss of life.

“The safety record is such that US government employees are advised not to take inter-island ferry boat services unless this is the only means of transportation available. US citizens are advised to avoid overcrowded or unsafe transport and to exercise caution in planning travel by inter-island ferryboats or other public conveyances,” the State Department said. –Francis Earl A. Cueto, Correspondent, Manila Times