As complaints mount, Manila stops all towing

MANILA, Philippines—With officials continuing to receive dozens of complaints every week, the Manila government on Wednesday announced the indefinite suspension of all towing activities in the city.

“We are suspending the towing of vehicles in Manila amid the numerous complaints we continue to receive about tow trucks and their operators,” said Vice Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, who also heads the Manila Traffic Council.

“We must put [everything] in order and properly brief the private towing companies so that the cases of abuse will go down,” he added.

Also covered by the suspension order are the two tow trucks operated by the Manila government. There are only two accredited towing companies in Manila: RWM and PMA Towing Services Inc. with 30 and 10 tow trucks, respectively.

Domagoso said that city officials would investigate all complaints they received and file charges against tow truck operators and firms should these be found guilty.

“We will look into all these complaints and ensure that we will hold the abusers responsible,” his statement read.

According to him, the city government has not been remiss in punishing erring towing firm operators although it continues to receive about 15 to 20 complaints every week.

These range from doubts over the authenticity of the towing firms’ registration papers to exorbitant fines. Some drivers have also complained about damage to their towed vehicle or the offense they were charged with.

“Since last year, we have suspended 73 traffic enforcers and several towing trucks and personnel but apparently, this is not enough. So I have decided to temporarily suspend [towing] operations,” Domagoso said.

The city government will also review the business permits and accreditations of towing companies and revoke these if they are found to have violated regulations covering their operations.