The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has suspended a ride-hailing vehicle and ordered mandatory drug testing for its driver following a sexual harassment complaint, the agency announced Tuesday.
LTFRB Chair Vigor Mendoza II said Green and Smart Mobility Philippines, Inc. (Green GSM) must present the driver implicated in a viral passenger post. The post detailed how the driver repeatedly asked a female passenger inappropriate questions, suggested rerouting around C5, and slowed down the vehicle, leaving the passenger traumatized despite eventually reaching home safely.
“This is not acceptable. We already issued a show cause order (SCO), and I will personally monitor the conduct of the investigation of this case,” Mendoza said.
The action aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to protect commuters and hold rogue drivers accountable. “We assure the victim and his family and friends na hindi namin palalagpasin ito,” Mendoza added.
Under the SCO, the vehicle with license plate DBV-1863 is suspended for 30 days pending investigation. The driver will also undergo compulsory drug testing by an accredited agency of the Department of Health and the Land Transportation Office.
Green GSM is required to surrender the vehicle’s plates to the LTFRB Legal Division immediately and explain why its Certificate of Public Convenience should not be cancelled or revoked over the incident.