MANILA – The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has issued a show cause order against a taxi operator after one of its drivers was caught on video throwing garbage onto a busy road in Metro Manila.
In a statement Sunday, October 11, the LTFRB said it summoned Green and Smart Mobility Philippines Inc., the operator of the taxi involved in the incident, after footage of the driver’s actions went viral on social media.
The video showed the driver of a taxi bearing license plate NIZ 4758 throwing trash out of the vehicle while caught in a traffic jam.
The incident drew criticism from netizens, who called on authorities to take disciplinary action against the driver.
Acting LTFRB Chairman Greg Pua Jr. said the operator could face administrative sanctions for employing a driver who failed to observe proper road courtesy and discipline.
“This is not only about existing ordinance relating to littering. This is also about common sense because no motorist in his right mind would do that,” Pua said.
Under the show cause order, the taxi operator was directed to submit a written explanation on why its authority to operate should not be suspended or cancelled over the driver’s actions.
The LTFRB also instructed the operator to require the driver to explain the incident and undergo an appropriate seminar on road discipline.
“Roads are not trash sites. Bilang responsableng operator at car owners, dapat ay mayroong kahit na maliit na lagayan ng basura sa loob ng sasakyan,” Pua said.
The hearing on the case has been scheduled for October 21.
The agency reminded public utility vehicle operators to ensure that their drivers comply with existing regulations on road safety, proper waste disposal and responsible conduct while operating public transportation vehicles.
The LTFRB emphasized that operators are responsible for maintaining discipline among their drivers and ensuring compliance with transportation regulations.
