Cebu City is launching a major initiative to clean up its taxi service and protect its vital tourism image, following a sharp increase in complaints from visitors. Mayor Nestor Archival is calling taxi operators, drivers, and regulators to the table to craft uniform service standards, moving beyond mere punishment to establish clear, fair rules for everyone.
From Punishment to Partnership: Crafting a Service Agreement
Mayor Nestor Archival emphasized that the city's goal is to create a cooperative "service quality standard" agreement with the transport sector. This shift aims to set baseline expectations for passenger treatment, fare compliance using meters, and vehicle cleanliness, rather than relying solely on police citations.
"This is not about punishment. We want an agreement that is fair for everyone, especially since many visitors are coming to Cebu," Archival stated in a recent press conference. He revealed that he has personally experienced riding in an unhygempt taxi unit.
The push aligns with a Cebu City Council resolution, championed by Councilor Sisinio Andales, demanding stricter cleanliness checks. Andales highlighted repeated passenger complaints about musty odors, stained seats, dusty air-conditioners, and dirty floors, urging that hygiene be given the same priority as mechanical safety in official inspections.
Ground Zero: The Cebu Port Crackdown
The Cebu port area has been identified as the main hotspot for grievances. Arriving passengers frequently report drivers refusing to use meters and demanding exorbitant fixed fares.
"There have been so many complaints at the pier, overcharging, not using the meter, and even issues about some taxis being dirty," Archival noted. In response, the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) under Col. George Ylanan has begun routine clearing operations there.
In one operation on November 21, authorities issued 11 temporary operator permits and 71 citation tickets, and impounded one motorcycle. Col. Ylanan confirmed these enforcement actions will continue as holiday traffic grows.
Securing Cebu's First Impression for Tourists and Investors
The drive for better taxi service is deeply tied to safeguarding Cebu's reputation as a top-tier tourist destination and investment hub. A City Hall source involved in tourism said the complaints create unwelcome "friction points" for visitors, whose first interaction is often with a taxi at the busy port.
"First impressions matter," Mayor Archival echoed. The city has also received feedback from hotel front desks and travel operators about overcharging and unkempt taxis, adding pressure for official intervention.
The long-term plan involves formalizing the agreed-upon minimum standards through an executive order and eventually a city ordinance that defines penalties. Archival reiterated that sustainable solutions require cooperation, not confrontation, aiming for a clear direction that benefits operators, drivers, and the visiting public alike.
