LTFRB suspends EV taxi driver over viral robbery prank
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board has suspended an EV taxi driver over his alleged involvement in a robbery prank by vloggers.
A show cause order has been issued to Green and Smart Mobility Philippines Inc (Green GSM), the owner of the EV taxi accused of "colluding with the vloggers" to pull off the prank.
"Hindi ito nakakatuwa, sa halip, ito ay naghahatid ng takot sa ating mga kababayan na regular na sumasakay ng taxi at TNVS," LTFRB Chairman Vigor Mendoza II said in a statement.
"We will look into this and we assure that appropriate disciplinary measures will be done."
The temporary suspension will be for 30 days pending the result of the ongoing investigation into the incident by the LTFRB.
In the viral video, the driver was heard telling the passengers not to resist. "Ma'am, 'wag na po kayo pumalag ma'am, ha?" Afterward, the two vloggers entered the car and said they were robbing the passengers.
Sometime later, one of the passengers was brought out by the vloggers to a bar, where it turned out to be a prank to bring her to a birthday party. The passenger was seen emotional after the events.
Previously, Land Transportation Office chief Assistant Sec. Markus Lacanilao slammed the viral incident, saying, "Hindi dapat gawing libangan o content ang mga sitwasyong may kaugnayan sa krimen. Ang paghoholdap ay isang seryosong usapin na maaring magdulot ng takot at pangamba sa publiko."
Meanwhile, Green GSM said on June 25 that it was aware of the prank and denied prior knowledge of the activity.
"Based on our internal review, the activity shown in the video was conducted without Green GSM's prior knowledge, approval, or authorization. The driver involved did not inform the company before participating and did not report the incident immediately thereafter," it said in a statement.
"Green GSM was not involved in the planning, production, or publication of the content, to our knowledge."
The company also stated that it does not permit the use of its vehicles or services in activities that may lead people to believe a crime is happening.
Apart from conducting an internal review, Green GSM added that it's cooperating with the LTO with its probe.
