The Department of Transportation (DOTr), in collaboration with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), has announced stringent penalties for officials and transport operators who engage in misconduct. This decision follows the exposure of abusive behavior by government personnel and taxi drivers through viral videos.

During a press briefing on Monday, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon confirmed the immediate dismissal of LTO Region 2 Assistant Regional Director Manuel Baricua and another official, Charles Ursulum, after a video showed them physically assaulting civilians, including a minor, at a private event. Dizon emphasized that public officials are meant to serve, not dominate, and any disobedience to the president's directive against abuse will result in severe consequences.

The victims of such misconduct will receive assistance in filing criminal charges, while the DOTr has issued a warning to other officials that similar behavior will not be tolerated. In a separate incident, a taxi driver who overcharged a passenger P1,200 for a short ride between NAIA Terminals 2 and 3 has faced penalties. Further investigations revealed that the driver, Felix Opina, was operating under Taxi Hub Transport, a company with an expired franchise since March 2025.

The DOTr is taking action by revoking Opina's license and penalizing the operator, Paige Pauline Bersamina, potentially leading to the loss of the entire franchise. The LTFRB is conducting a review of all 15 units under Taxi Hub Transport, with the possibility of impoundment if violations are confirmed. To prevent future exploitation, joint operations by LTO and LTFRB have been ordered in NAIA and other major transport hubs.

Passengers are encouraged to report abuses by recording and tagging the DOTr in videos. Dizon emphasized that any violations caught on video will face legal consequences. Updates on previous incidents were also provided, including the case of a PWD passenger who was electrocuted by a bus conductor from Precious Grace Bus Company. The LTFRB has suspended 15 buses from the company and will pursue criminal charges against the conductor.

Florida Bus Company has complied with the LTO's ultimatum regarding drivers involved in recent altercations, resulting in three license revocations. Dizon reiterated the administration's commitment to combating corruption and abuse in public transport, emphasizing that every violation will carry consequences.