The said driver has also been summoned by the agency through a show cause order.
On Saturday, April 11, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), led by chairperson Atty. Vigor Mendoza II, responded to the incident that actress Xyriel Manabat experienced with a Grab driver earlier this week.
The 22-year-old hailed a ride the transport network vehicle service (TNVS), took a picture with the driver, who then shared it on social media.
However, the caption for the post included the remark “laki ng bata na ’yan,” with his comment below it being of obscene nature.
This drew the ire of the actress who vowed to hold the driver accountable.
Thus, in line with that, the show cause order (SCO) was issued against the driver, with the LTFRB assuring that the agency will hold responsible the driver for disrespecting a passenger, which it says already falls under the ambit of sexual harassment.
“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,” said Mendoza.
He added, “And as initial action from your LTFRB, we have already suspended the operation of this TNVS pending the result of the ongoing investigation into the matter.”
In the SCO issued by the LTFRB, the TNVS driver was mandated to undergo a mandatory drug test and the license plate and other documents relating to authority to operate.
“The Land Transportation Office (LTO) Enforcement Division, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) and other traffic enforcement agencies are hereby ordered to apprehend and impound the unit, if found operating as public utility vehicle,” the SCO read, with the LTFRB having provided the three agencies with all the details about the involved TNVS unit.
The driver was also tasked to submit a written explanation within 10 days after the receipt of the SCO to defend his franchise and why it should not be suspended or revoked in relation to the incident. A hearing of his case will be held on April 28.
“Failure on the part of the Respondent TNVS Operator/ Driver to appear before the Hearing Officer and to file an Answer, shall be considered as a waiver on his part to be heard and shall cause the imposition of a penalty in the amount P5,000,” furthered the SCO.
Chairperson Mendoza assured that he will personally monitor the progress of the case and committed to expedite the process.
Prior to this, Grab Philippines has also suspended the driver pending an investigation on the matter.