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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Taxi driver, operator in big trouble over prank robbery video

Taxi driver, operator in big trouble over prank robbery video

Published Jun 27, 2026 02:06 pm
photo: LTFRB
photo: LTFRB
The few minutes of fame, and possibly some money, put a taxi driver in big trouble after the prank video of passenger robbery drew the ire of both the top officials of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
Both the LTO and LTFRB already summoned the operator of the electric vehicle taxi, the Green and Smart Mobility Philippines, Inc, while the latter imposed a suspension order for the unit involved.
LTFRB Chairman Vigor D. Mendoza II said the temporary suspension will be for 30 days pending the result of the ongoing investigation into the incident by the agency.
“This is not funny as the safety and comfort of passengers should never be compromised. We will look into this and we assure that appropriate disciplinary measures will be done,” said Mendoza.
For Mendoza, the prank video only sends a wrong message to the riding public that commuting is not safe in the Philippines.
He made the statement as the LTFRB is conducting a thorough investigation into at least two taxi drivers who robbed two male foreign models who were in the country on June 13 for a fashion show.
Mendoza said the incident is a clear violation of the conditions on operating public utility vehicles, particularly on the aspect of failure to provide safe and convenient public land transportation service.
He then urged PUV operators and drivers to work together to improve the public transportation in the country and bring back the trust and confidence of the riding public.
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