'Ang laki ng problema mo ngayon': TNVS driver faces income loss over inappropriate comment vs actress
photo: LTFRB
There’s an equal reaction for every action, and in the case of a ride-hailing service driver who made inappropriate comment on social media after a selfie with actress Xyriel Manabat, the stake is his source of income.
On Friday, April 10, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) suspended the operation of his unit for 30 days and ordered him to surrender the license plates to ensure that he would not operate.
LTFRB chairperson Vigor D. Mendoza II said they also forwarded the vehicle details to various traffic and law enforcement agencies in order to apprehend and impound the vehicle of the driver of the Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) should he defy the agency order.
“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.
“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,” he added.
It all started when the TNVS driver asked for a photo with his passenger after realizing that she is a popular actress.
Little did Manabat know that her kindness would be taken advantage of when the driver posted the photo on social media with lewd and inappropriate comments.
Manabat, for her part, could not help but air her anger and disappointment over the incident and asked authorities to take action.
Mendoza heard it, and in the show cause order issued against the driver, the LTFRB mandated the TNVS driver to undergo a mandatory drug test and the license plate and other documents relating to authority to operate.
The driver was also tasked to submit a written explanation within 10 days after the receipt of the SCO why his franchise should not be suspended or revoked in relation to the incident.
A hearing of his case will be held on April 28 where he will be given the chance to explain in the interest of due process.
“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,” the SCO read.
Mendoza assured that he will personally monitor the progress of the case and committed to expedite the process.