Ride-hailing company told to explain in ‘harassment’ case

MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has demanded an explanation from a ride-hailing service company regarding a sexual harassment case involving one of its drivers.

In a statement, the LTFRB said that it issued a show-cause order against Green and Smart Mobility Philippines, Inc. (Green GSM Philippines) based on a viral video showing one of its drivers repeatedly asking inappropriate questions and making lewd demands from a female passenger.

“During the travel, the driver even suggested rerouting around C5 Road. And not yet contented, the driver even slowed down the vehicle several times while continuously asking inappropriate questions,” the LTFRB added.

Traumatized

The passenger managed to get home unharmed although the incident left her traumatized.

LTFRB chair Vigor Mendoza II called the incident “unacceptable,” emphasizing that he “will personally monitor the conduct of the investigation of this case.”

“We assure the victim and her family and friends that we will not let this pass,” he said.

Aside from the show-cause order, the ride-hailing company was ordered to present to the LTFRB the driver, who was directed to undergo compulsory drug testing under an authorized accredited agency of the Department of Health and the Land Transportation Office.

The LTFRB also ordered Green GSM Philippines to stop operating for 30 days the motor vehicle involved in the incident, with license plate DBV 1863, pending the result of its investigation.

“Respondent-operator, Green and Smart Mobility Philippines, Inc. is hereby directed to surrender the plates of the involved unit, to the Legal Division of this board immediately upon receipt of this order,” it said in the show-cause order.

The company was also asked to explain within five days from the receipt of the order why the certificate of public convenience issued to it “should not be cancelled or revoked over the incident.”

In a post on its Facebook account, Green GSM said the driver in question has been “immediately suspended” as it called the incident an “isolated case.” It called his behavior unacceptable and contrary to its “standards, values or driver culture.”

“Green GSM is fully cooperating with the LTFRB and all relevant authorities and will strictly comply with all directives, procedures and requirements issued by the board as the review proceeds,” it said. /cb