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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider LTFRB to impound taxi, file cases vs driver in scam attempt vs TXT's Soobin

LTFRB to impound taxi, file cases vs driver in scam attempt vs TXT's Soobin

Published Apr 2, 2026 05:19 pm
photo: LTFRB
photo: LTFRB
Lawyer Vigor D. Mendoza II, chairperson of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), ordered the impounding of the taxi and the filing of criminal charges against the cab driver and the operator tagged in overcharging a popular K-Pop singer in Cebu last month.
The incident went viral after K-Pop idol TXT's Soobin posted the video on social media, and Mendoza vowed to craft a policy that will include automatic impounding and filing of criminal charges against erring taxi drivers and operators on top of the maximum penalty of revocation of franchise and driver’s licenses.
“Enough is enough. Despite the concern and understanding of the government, they still engage in this shameful act that put the country in bad light,” said Mendoza.
In the video, the initial price was P350 but the singer was charged with P500 and along the way, the driver was insisting on a P1,000 payment as he claimed that the taxi was using a special fuel.
The post went viral and generated millions of views.
Incidents in the past involving other international performers being overcharged by taxi drivers also resurfaced on social media.
“I have already instructed the Regional Director, LTFRB Region 7, to identify the driver and operator and locate the taxi unit for immediate impounding. We will file criminal charges for violating public service law and estafa,” said Mendoza. 
“The taxi unit will also be impounded pending trial,” he added.
While he was still the head of the Land Transportation Office, Mendoza pushed for the implementation of a policy that only a court order will release any motor vehicle impounded for colorum violation.  
Mendoza said the impounding of units and the filing of criminal charges on top of the administrative cases will be a new standard in dealing with erring taxi drivers once the new policy is implemented. 

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LTFRB K-pop Soobin TXT overcharging taxi
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