‘Kotong’ tow firm falls; driver cleared

A day before the launch of a mobile app that aims to protect vehicle owners from unscrupulous towing firms, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced the revocation of the accreditation it granted to Arcson Towing Services whose personnel were accused of extortion.

The MMDA’s Legal and Legislative Staff Affairs said the towing firm’s employees “gravely abused their authority … in the conduct of towing and impounding a complainant’s vehicle.”

It added that it had already ordered Arcson to stop its operations.

The MMDA on Thursday said there was no proof that Kristen Ann Uy Baron—who filed the complaint against the towing company—illegally parked her car in front of a supermarket in Quezon City, on

May 23.

According to Baron, Arcson employees took the keys to the car from her driver, drove off in her vehicle and asked her for P4,000 in exchange for its release. Her complaint prompted the MMDA to initially order the indefinite suspension of Arcson’s operations.

The MMDA invited the tow firm’s personnel to its office to hear their side on the incident but the latter never appeared.

MMDA Chair Emerson Carlos said that he hoped Arcson’s fate would serve as a warning to other towing firms to follow the law.

The agency is launching today the iTow mobile application which aims to stop illegal towing operations in Metro Manila.

Carlos said that the app—available for both Android and iOS users—would prevent the public from falling prey to unscrupulous towing companies.

“Motorists will now have extra protection against illegal towing operations through this app.  As such, they can immediately report or complain [about] anomalous activities,” he added.

Carlos said iTow app users could directly report illegal towing operations to the MMDA command center in Makati City. Motorists can also ask for assistance during emergency situations.