The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board has ordered the immediate suspension of a ride-hailing vehicle and slapped a show cause order on its operator following a viral social media post accusing one of its drivers of sexually harassing a female passenger.
Acting under the guidance of Department of Transportation Secretary Giovanni Z. Lopez, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board issued the show cause order against Green and Smart Mobility Philippines, Inc., directing the company to explain the incident and present the driver involved before the Board.
LTFRB Chairperson Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II condemned the driver’s alleged behavior, describing it as unacceptable and deeply troubling.
“I personally saw the viral video, and as a parent, what the driver did is infuriating,” Mendoza said. He added that the investigation would be closely monitored and assured the victim and her family that the case would not be ignored. The swift action, he said, is in line with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s directive to protect commuters and hold erring drivers accountable.
According to the viral post, the driver of an electric ride-hailing vehicle repeatedly asked the female passenger inappropriate and personal questions during the trip. The driver allegedly suggested rerouting via C5 Road and deliberately slowed down the vehicle several times while continuing the questioning, leaving the passenger distressed and shaken. Although traumatized, the passenger was able to return home safely.
Pending the outcome of the investigation, the LTFRB ordered the 30-day suspension of the vehicle involved, bearing license plate number DBV-1863. The driver was also directed to undergo compulsory drug testing through an accredited agency of the Department of Health and the Land Transportation Office.
The show cause order further instructed the operator to immediately surrender the vehicle’s license plates to the LTFRB’s Legal Division. The company was given five days from receipt of the order to explain why its Certificate of Public Convenience should not be suspended, cancelled, or revoked over the incident.
The LTFRB said the case underscores its commitment to passenger safety and its zero-tolerance stance on misconduct in public and ride-hailing transport services.