Here's one report: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/metro-manila/01/24/13/filipino-taxi-driver-returns-p300000
Here is one of the bad stories:http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/307190/taxi-driver-who-overcharged-returning-ofw-arrested
My first trip to Manila I was naive about the amount of scammers that hang around the airport waiting for foreigners to swindle. It started with the security guards who I thought were just kind guys trying to help me. They observed me standing there trying to make a call. My US cell phone couldn't pick up service and a security guard offered his phone. I was trying to call my wife and ask her where abouts so I could find her or she find me. Next thing they ask me for a few dollars. I didn't give them anything, I was surprised though, I didn't expect that. Next was a guy approached me, asked if I needed a taxi. I didn't have a chance to answer him he had already flagged one down, opened the door and tried to put my bags in the car. I quickly stopped him, informing him I'm not ready to go yet. He had the nerve to ask for some dollars. And they all want US currency too. I almost felt like they are all in on a organized scam. I wasn't in country 10 minutes and a lot of strangers who appear to be workers or service people are begging for money. I was a bit nervous about it. Finally the taxi driver. I said I want the meter on and he gave me a song and dance of how it's standard this and normal that to charge such a fare. We get to our hotel and he tells me 700 pesos. It wasn't till the next day I learns the meter would have said a fare of about 250 pesos. From that point on I learned my lesson and was prepared to argue or fight for honest service. I have no problem giving a tip but I don't wanna be treated like a sucker. So for future visits I will plan for ways to handle this situation.
If you go check into hiring a driver ahead of time. Terms are already established. And Let'em know up front you will stick to the agreement and if asked or begged for any extra you drop him and he gets no pay. For safety always ride in the back seat, lock the doors, if you know the route inform the driver that's the way you want to go. Stay awake also. Inform family and friends of cab info. Use your phone to take a picture of the cab and tag number. Use your GPS to see if he is trying to take a longer route or not going where he is supposed to. Don't be afraid to tell the driver you will report him. If you do have a problem you can report the incident to www.taxikick.com. You can post a problem to www.spot.ph also. Another is www.pasawaydriver.com. For Facebook use: report taxi drivers - Philippines is on Facebook.
Good luck and don't be taken advantage of.
