Call it whatever you want, but the Land Transportation Office seems dead serious about ensuring that erring drivers are penalized for their wrongdoings. Last June 25, 10 taxi and transport network vehicle service drivers were caught red-handed contracting and overcharging their passengers from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

Not long ago, similar stories went viral on social media, with one driver charging a commuter P1,260 for a trip from NAIA’s Terminal 3 to Terminal 2. Another asked over P5,000 for a trip from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2. Then, there was a motorcycle taxi rider who asked a commuter to cough up P2,000 for a trip from NAIA to Cainta, Rizal.

This prompted the agency to conduct surprise operations at the NAIA where these drivers were apprehended. They were issued show cause orders, while their licenses were suspended for 90 days.

However, things could get worse for these enterprising individuals as they are now charged with being an improper person to operate a motor vehicle. If found guilty, they could lose their jobs as their driver’s licenses could be revoked.

While most of us remain skeptical about these stories, we have to give credit where it is due. Here’s to hoping that the agency does this consistently to once and for all protect our commuters, regardless of who’s running the agency.