The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) clarified Monday that only the specific franchise of the electric taxi involved in a viral robbery prank will face suspension, rather than the entire fleet of Green Smart Mobility (GSM) Philippines.

LTFRB board member Greg Pua Jr. explained during a radio interview that Green GSM operates under more than 10 separate franchises issued by the agency, with its vehicles distributed across those distinct certificates.

“Not all, because our rule is like that of other denominations,” Pua said. “When there is an accident and a show-cause order is issued, only those under that specific franchise are suspended.”

Pua stressed that public utility vehicle operators are legally obligated to guarantee the safety, comfort and convenience of passengers. He criticized the video for downplaying potentially dangerous situations for the sake of online entertainment.

“In the video, it seems like we are normalizing that kind of prank,” Pua said. “What if the person who was pranked had a heart condition? What if something else had happened? What if their plan for the prank did not go as intended?”

The regulator cited that while public utility vehicle operators have numerous options for creating video blogs and content, they must refrain from using public transport units — especially active vehicles and passengers — as subjects.

Pua said the agency intends to promptly resolve the show-cause proceedings against the driver implicated in the video to minimize the economic impact on uninvolved drivers.

“Some of the Green GSM drivers are also affected,” Pua said. “They will not be able to operate during the days that they are suspended.”