The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has taken decisive action against a transport network vehicle service (TNVS) driver who posted lewd comments about actress Xyriel Manabat on social media.
In a statement released on Saturday, the LTFRB confirmed it has suspended the driver's operations and issued a show cause order (SCO) following the inappropriate content directed at Manabat, who was reportedly a passenger in the driver's vehicle.
"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," the LTFRB stated.
LTFRB Chairperson Vigor Mendoza II emphasized the agency's stance against such behavior, linking it to their ongoing "Bawal Bastos" campaign.
"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," Mendoza said.
The controversy began when a social media user identified as "Boss Toyo Mansi" posted a photo with Manabat accompanied by sexualized remarks about the actress. Although the original account has been deleted, screenshots continue to circulate online.
Manabat has vowed to take legal action against the driver, stressing that such posts should not be dismissed as harmless or trivial, nor should they become a routine experience for women.
Grab Philippines has placed the driver-partner under preventive suspension pending investigation results and issued a formal apology to Manabat, describing the incident as "unacceptable."
The SCO also directs the Land Transportation Office Enforcement Division, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, the Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group, and other traffic enforcement agencies to apprehend and impound the vehicle if found operating as a public utility vehicle.
The LTFRB has provided all relevant details about the involved TNVS unit to these agencies. The driver has been ordered to submit a written explanation within 10 days of receiving the SCO, justifying why their franchise should not be suspended or revoked.
A hearing on the case is scheduled for April 28, where the driver will have the opportunity to explain their actions 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 warned.