DOTC: Hotline vs abusive cabbies to answer calls in 2-3 rings

To show it is serious in going after abusive and “snobbish" taxi drivers during the Christmas rush, the Department of Transportation and Communications has primed its hotline to answer calls from complainants in two to three phone rings. DOTC Secretary Jose de Jesus said the department has instructed personnel at its Action Center hotline 7890 to answer calls immediately. “The call center crew is mandated to answer calls within two to three rings," De Jesus said in an article posted on the DOTC website. He added the action center is now open around-the-clock. On the other hand, De Jesus said more than 40 patrol vehicles will do the rounds in Metro Manila to monitor taxi drivers' behavior. Patrols will cover malls, bus terminals, piers, airports, and virtually every public place taxi drivers normally pick up their passengers. For his part, DOTC spokesman undersecretary Dante Velasco said erring taxi drivers will be meted with the "corresponding penalty" by the law enforcement officers of the agency and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB). The DOTC on Thursday launched its "Oplan Laban sa Isnabero." The operation plan is targeting misbehaving, scheming and abusive drivers of taxis and other public utility vehicles during the Christmas rush. The DOTC noted demand for public conveyance reaches its peak at this time of year. During the "soft launch" from December 6 to 13, at least 26 cabbies were apprehended while the DOTC Action Center Hotline and text messages recorded 3,500 complaints. According to the DOTC, this campaign is a response to overwhelming requests of passengers who suffer at the hands of taxi drivers especially during peak hours. Velasco advised commuters to file their complaints through the DOTC Action Center Hotline 7890 which is open 24/7. Complainants may also call or text these numbers: For Globe 0917-2470-385 and for Smart 0919-2227-462. — LBG, GMANews.TV