House Minority Leader and Gabriela Women’s Party-list Rep. Sarah Elago on Wednesday called for an investigation into a reported sexual harassment incident involving a ride-hailing driver, stressing that public transportation should never be a place of fear—especially for women.
Elago said any probe must be thorough and should result in accountability if the allegations are proven.
“Lubhang nakakabahala ang insidenteng ito. Walang pasaherong dapat makaranas ng pananakot o pangha-harass. Dapat tiyakin na masinsinan at malinaw ang imbestigasyon at may mananagot,” Elago said.
Earlier, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) ordered a 30-day suspension on the specific motor vehicle involved of Green and Smart Mobility Philippines Inc. (Green GSM), the firm employing the reported driver along with actions taken against the driver.
According to online posts by netizens, the driver allegedly asked inappropriate questions repeatedly, suggested rerouting via C5, and slowed down the vehicle to continue the line of questioning.
The LTFRB said the driver has been ordered to undergo compulsory drug testing by an authorized, accredited agency of the Department of Health and the Land Transportation Office.
Elago said the incident underscores the need for mandatory and regular anti-sexual harassment and gender sensitivity training for drivers, riders, and operators in the public transport sector. She emphasized that women’s safety in public transportation is a shared responsibility of both government and private companies.
“Dapat ligtas ang mga pampublikong transportasyon. Pananagutan ito ng estado at ng mga kumpanyang kumikita mula rito,” Elago said.
She added that Congress is considering further actions, including the filing of a resolution, to prevent sexual harassment linked to ride-hailing services.
“Sisiyasatin namin ang lahat ng posibleng hakbang sa Kongreso, kabilang ang paghahain ng resolusyon, upang imbestigahan hindi lamang ang insidenteng ito kundi pati ang iba pang kaso ng sexual harassment na may kinalaman sa ride-hailing apps. Kailangang may malinaw na pananagutan at mas matibay na proteksyon para sa mga pasahero,” she said.