The Manila Times
THE government has ordered a Grab driver suspended for posting a selfie he took with his passenger, the actress Xyriel Manabat, on Facebook, accompanied by lewd remarks about her body. Over the weekend, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) issued a show-cause order and ordered the preventive suspension of the Grab driver, whose name has not been released to the public pending an ongoing investigation. Grab Philippines issued a public apology to Manabat and placed the driver under preventive suspension, stating that his behavior was a “grave violation” and a “bannable offense.” The case stemmed from a Facebook post by the driver, who used the social media handle “Boss Toyo Mansi,” of a selfie he took with the actress during a ride she booked. Manabat said she agreed to the selfie but was later disgusted when she discovered the lewd remarks that accompanied the photo that sparked public outrage across Facebook, X and Reddit. Manabat was shocked when reporters showed her screenshots of the Facebook posts and said she would not let the case slide. “I was being kind.... I even gave a tip... imagine how hard it is to be a woman?” she said. “You’re just going to work, and this is what you get in return.” LTFRB Chairman Vigor Mendoza II said the agency will hold the driver accountable for conduct that may fall under sexual harassment and violation of passenger rights. “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 (Transport Network Vehicle Service) driver,” Mendoza said in a statement issued on Saturday. He added that the LTFRB had immediately suspended the operation of the Grab unit pending investigation. In its show cause order, the LTFRB directed the driver to undergo a mandatory drug test and submit documents related to the vehicle’s franchise and authority to operate. It also ordered coordination with enforcement agencies, including the Land Transportation Office (LTO), the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and the Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG), to apprehend and impound the unit if it is found operating as a public utility vehicle. The LTFRB said full details of the vehicle have already been furnished to enforcement agencies. The driver was also required to submit a written explanation within 10 days of receipt of the order, explaining why his franchise should not be suspended or revoked. A hearing has been scheduled on April 28, where the respondent will be given the opportunity to respond in observance of due process. The order warned that failure to appear or file an answer will be considered a waiver, which may result in the imposition of a P5,000 penalty. Mendoza said he will personally monitor the case and vowed to expedite proceedings.
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