Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival has declared a decisive war against abusive dispatchers and ticket scalpers operating at the Cebu Baseport, aiming to restore order and ensure the safety of all passengers. The mayor described the current situation at the port as being in a state of complete chaos.
Mayor's Directive for Passenger Safety
Presiding over the 4th Quarter City Peace and Order Council (CPOC) meeting on Thursday, November 21, 2025, at the Legislative Building Social Hall, Mayor Archival expressed his deep concern. He cited alarming reports of passengers being aggressively grabbed by dispatchers, forcibly placed into specific taxis or vans, and then compelled to pay fares significantly above the official meter rates.
"This is a challenge to all of us. We want our people and visitors to feel safe the moment they arrive in the City of Cebu," Archival stated, highlighting the urgency of the matter. He immediately directed Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) Officer-in-Charge Col. George Ylanan to identify all problem areas and begin enforcing stricter regulations without delay.
Long-Standing Harassment and Exploitation
Councilor Paul Labra, who chairs the City Peace and Order Committee, provided more disturbing details. He confirmed that these exploitative practices have been a persistent issue at the port for a long time, affecting numerous passengers. "Most of the victims are local residents, but some foreigners have also experienced harassment," Labra revealed.
He explained the common modus operandi: drivers often ignore the taxi meter entirely. Upon reaching the destination, they surprise passengers by demanding extra payments beyond what the meter shows. In some cases, drivers even resort to threats, leaving passengers feeling intimidated and with little choice but to pay the inflated fare.
Coordinated Crackdown and Future Measures
The City Government is planning a multi-pronged approach to tackle this deep-rooted problem. A key initiative is the drafting of a new ordinance that would explicitly prohibit unauthorized dispatchers and establish designated taxi zones to eliminate fixers.
Councilor Labra emphasized the need for coordination, noting that while the Cebu Port Authority (CPA) has its own police force for the pier area, the City is ready to assist. "Our plan is to immediately organize a coordination meeting with them to discuss how we can help," he said. This could involve deploying city traffic personnel to help enforce rules within the port if the CPA grants permission.
The crackdown will feature coordinated inspections, closer monitoring of ticket sales, and a significant increase in police visibility around the pier. Authorities have issued a stern warning that drivers caught overcharging or intimidating passengers will face severe consequences, including criminal charges, license revocation, and a permanent ban from driving.
The Cebu Port Authority has welcomed Mayor Archival's directive, acknowledging that these unlawful practices have long been a serious challenge that undermines efforts to provide a safe and pleasant travel experience for everyone.
