Green GSM under probe over driver misconduct

Green and Smart Mobility Philippines, Inc. (Green GSM), in a statement dated 13 January, has acknowledged the alleged sexual harassment incident involving one of its drivers, as regulators intensify scrutiny over the ride-hailing firm’s compliance with passenger safety standards.

In a statement issued after the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) ordered the suspension of the vehicle involved and initiated a formal probe, Green GSM said the driver’s behavior was “unacceptable” and claimed the incident was an isolated case that did not reflect the company’s standards. The firm confirmed that the driver has been immediately suspended from operations pending the outcome of the investigation.

The company also said it is fully cooperating with the LTFRB and other authorities, and will comply with all directives issued by regulators as the review progresses. Green GSM added that it has submitted relevant records, including data generated by its Secure-to-Safe (S2S) safety system, which features in-vehicle cameras, emergency alerts, and monitoring tools designed to assist investigations.

However, the case has raised broader questions about oversight in app-based transport services, particularly as the LTFRB considers whether Green GSM’s Certificate of Public Convenience should be cancelled or revoked.

While the company emphasized its zero-tolerance policy toward misconduct and pointed to existing safety mechanisms, regulators have yet to determine whether internal safeguards were sufficient to prevent or immediately flag the alleged incident.

The controversy also places renewed pressure on transport authorities to ensure that technology-driven safety features translate into real-time protection for passengers, not just post-incident documentation.