Grab reinstates viral rider after 'no conclusive evidence' showed he was pleasuring himself during trip

Ride-hailing app Grab Philippines said it found no conclusive evidence that its now-viral rider committed a public act of lasciviousness after a Facebook user alleged that he was pleasuring himself during her trip.

"After a comprehensive review of the Audio Protect recording from the trip, the driver-partner’s profile, and performance history, we found no conclusive evidence to support the allegations or indicate any malicious intent," Grab said in a statement sent to PhilSTAR L!fe on Jan. 28.

Audio Protect is the app's optional feature that allows riders to record audio while on the road.

Grab said it has separately met with the parties' respective families to share its findings in its investigation.

"During these discussions, we listened to their concerns and provided support on issues that required clarification," the company said. "We deeply appreciate their willingness to engage constructively in resolving the matter."

The rider's account, which was temporarily suspended (or turned offline) pending investigation, has been reactivated.

Grab said he would be compensated for the earnings lost during the suspension period, in accordance with the company's standard operating procedure.

"We understand the challenges faced by both passengers and driver-partners in such situations and remain committed to ensuring fairness and understanding," it said.

The company noted it takes all concerns and allegations with utmost seriousness.

"Incidents like this remind us of the responsibility we have to ensure safety, build trust, and create a respectful environment for all our users," it said.

Moving forward, the company vowed to continuously improve its safety features and reporting mechanisms "to ensure swift and thorough resolutions," as well as work closely with passengers, driver-partners, and law enforcement "to uphold the highest standards of safety, respect, and accountability."

It encouraged everyone to use the in-app reporting tools and Help Center for concerns.

"Grab Philippines remains dedicated to fostering a platform where both passengers and driver-partners feel valued, respected, and safe," it added.

Passenger's viral post

In the passenger's viral Facebook post that was reposted as screenshots by social media users, including automotive personality James Deakin, she recalled booking a Grab ride home as she and her sister finished late in a school activity.

She noted the driver was "already breathing heavily and was acting weird."

She claimed to hear "squishing sounds" as the driver "was breathing more heavily, almost moaning in fact."

The passenger said she alerted their dad, started an audio recording, and confronted the driver.

The driver, who "tried to laugh it off," said he was just full.

The passenger claimed his shirt was raised and only one hand was on the wheel.

Asked what he was doing, the driver supposedly replied, "Ah wala ma'am, ang taba kasi."

She then declared, "Hindi, sir, nagj*****l ka."

The passenger demanded the rider to pull over, leaving in the middle of the trip.

She also posted the rider's name and plate number.

Rider's response

On Jan. 24, the rider came forward as the post went viral, dismissing the claim that he was touching himself in public. He also asserted that he didn't bring out his private part.

He insisted that he respects women, being a father to two daughters, and explained that his heavy breathing and its "squishy sound" were due to him being overweight, asthmatic, and having high blood pressure.

At the time, he said his Audio Protect recording, which Grab was already reviewing, would debunk all allegations against him.

The passenger, who received heavy criticism for her highly charged post, has since deactivated her Facebook account.

On Jan. 26, the rider wrote another post, thanking those who came to his defense.

He asked the public to stop attacking the passenger for her post against him.

"Bilang tatay ay naiinitindihan ko rin ang maaring maramdaman ng kaniyang mga magulang sa naging reaksyon ng mga tao sa social media sa kanilang anak," he said.