MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) issued a show cause order (SCO) and suspension of a Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) unit following an incident involving an actress after the driver allegedly posted inappropriate social media content using her image.
LTFRB Chairman Vigor Mendoza II said the agency would hold the driver accountable for conduct that may fall under sexual harassment and violation of passenger rights.
“No woman deserves to be treated this way. This is the reason behind our Bawal Bastos campaign, and this campaign against sexual harassment and discrimination in public transportation will serve as our motivation and basis in holding accountable this TNVS driver,” Mendoza said in a statement issued on Saturday.
He added that the LTFRB had immediately suspended the operation of the TNVS unit pending investigation.
The case stemmed from a social media post of Xyriel Manabat, who said she had asked for a photo with the TNVS driver, but the image was later uploaded online with inappropriate content. The actress has since expressed her intent to pursue accountability against the driver.
In the SCO, the LTFRB directed the driver to undergo a mandatory drug test and submit documents related to the vehicle’s franchise and authority to operate. It also ordered coordination with enforcement agencies, including the Land Transportation Office (LTO), the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and the Philippine National Police–Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG), to apprehend and impound the unit if it is found operating as a public utility vehicle.
The LTFRB said full details of the vehicle have already been furnished to enforcement agencies.
The driver was also required to submit a written explanation within 10 days of receipt of the order, explaining why his franchise should not be suspended or revoked. A hearing has been scheduled on April 28, where the respondent will be given the opportunity to respond in observance of due process.
The SCO warned that failure to appear or file an answer will be considered a waiver, which may result in the imposition of a P5,000 penalty.
Mendoza said he would personally monitor the case and vowed to expedite proceedings.
Although the LTFRB did not mention the name of the TNVS company, Grab Philippines issued a statement last week apologizing to Manabat and suspening the driver.