‘Kwentong kutsero’ not fun for tourist

Movers of the government’s tourism campaign need to take a look at their own backyard because of dirty tricks that just may be driving tourists away.

On Wednesday, an American tourist filed a complaint with the Manila police against a “kutsero,” or driver of a “calesa,” a colorful horse-drawn rig and one of the tourist attractions at Luneta Park, a stone’s throw away from the Department of Tourism building in Ermita district.

Gary Dodd, 65, a retired US government employee, brought estafa and swindling charges against Rolando Ramos Limpin, 47, of Tondo, Manila, according to Senior Police Officer 2 James Pozo of the Manila Police District.

Ride to the Fort

In his complaint, Dodd said he and his Filipino girlfriend took Limpin’s calesa from Luneta Park to Fort Santiago at around 2:15 p.m. on Tuesday.

Dodd said Limpin asked for P100 for the ride, which he said he agreed to pay.

When they reached Fort Santiago, Dodd said he handed Limpin a P500 bill, telling him to keep P250 more for “being nice” to him and his girlfriend.

But Limpin, according to Dodd, refused to give him his change and even insisted on an additional P500.

Arrest him

Dodd said he argued with Limpin and he later brought the matter to Intramuros Administrator Jose Capistrano, who immediately asked police to arrest Limpin.

An investigation showed Limpin did not have a kutsero’s permit, Pozo said.

Limpin, now detained at the Manila Police District, admitted that he tried to fleece the tourist.

“I am a diabetic,” he said. “I just want more money to buy medicines.”