Ride-hailing firm suspends driver involved in ‘sexual harassment’

MANILA, Philippines — A ride-hailing service company has suspended its driver for allegedly harassing a female passenger.

The suspension came after the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board on Tuesday issued a show cause order against the company, Green GSM.

The board demanded that Green GSM explain a viral video showing that one of its drivers was continuously asking inappropriate questions and making lewd demands from his female passenger.

READ: LTFRB summons ride-hailing firm over driver’s sexual harassment case

In a statement, Green GSM said the behavior of its driver is “unacceptable and is considered an isolated case.”

“The driver involved has been immediately suspended from operations pending the outcome of the investigation,” the ride-hailing company said, noting that it “enforces a zero-tolerance policy toward any form of misconduct.”

The company also said its management provided all relevant information and records to the LTFRB, including data generated by their Secure-to-Safe (S2S) safety system, as required in the investigation. 

S2S includes in-vehicle cameras, emergency alert features accessible to both passengers and drivers, and monitoring functions intended to support accountability. 

“All data is securely encrypted and accessed only through lawful procedures and due process,” the ride-hailing firm added.

Based on the LTFRB’s earlier statement, the driver of Green GSM made indecent demands to the passenger, even suggesting rerouting around C5 Road during their travel.

The driver also slowed down the vehicle several times while continuously asking inappropriate questions.

This reportedly traumatized the passenger, but she was able to go home unharmed.

READ: DOTr: Motorists can use e-license, pay traffic fines online

LTFRB chair Chair Vigor Mendoza II emphasized that the incident was “unacceptable,” and he will personally monitor the agency’s proceedings.

While the investigation is underway, the LTFRB suspended for 30 days the operation of the motor vehicle used in the incident, bearing license plate number DBV-1863.

The agency also directed Green GSM to present the driver before the board.

The driver was ordered to undergo compulsory drug testing by an authorized and accredited agency of the Department of Health and the Land Transportation Office. /apl