Transportation regulators on Tuesday suspended the operations of an electric ride-hailing vehicle and issued a show-cause order against its operator following a viral report of sexual harassment.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) ordered Green and Smart Mobility Philippines Inc. to explain within five days why its franchise should not be revoked.
It also directed the company to present the driver involved, who has already been identified in social media posts.
LTFRB chairperson Vigor D. Mendoza II said the agency’s swift intervention follows a viral video showing a driver repeatedly asking a female passenger inappropriate questions.
“This is not acceptable,” Mendoza said. “As a parent, what this driver did is infuriating. We already issued a show-cause order, and I will personally monitor the conduct of the investigation.”
According to the passenger’s report, the driver suggested rerouting the trip around C5 Road and slowed the vehicle down multiple times while continuing the harassment. The passenger was able to reach home unharmed but reported being traumatized by the encounter.
The LTFRB has placed a 30-day preventive suspension on the vehicle involved, which bears plate number DBV-1863. The company was ordered to surrender the unit’s plates to the LTFRB Legal Division immediately.
As part of the investigation, the driver must undergo compulsory drug testing at a facility accredited by the Department of Health and the Land Transportation Office.
Mendoza said the move aligns with directives from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to prioritize the safety of the riding public and hold erring drivers accountable.