LTFRB Suspends EV Taxi Over Viral Prank; Probes Separate Robbery of Thai Models

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has launched a sweeping enforcement crackdown, slapping a 30-day preventive suspension on a prominent electric vehicle (EV) taxi operator and hunting down traditional cabbies involved in criminal extortion against foreign tourists.

The dual regulatory actions underscore a heightened campaign by transport officials to rid the capital’s public transport sector of fraudulent schemes, viral stunts, and criminal activity.

EV Taxi Suspended Over Viral ‘Robbery Prank’

Photo Courtesy of Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board - LTFRB

The LTFRB issued a formal Show Cause Order and a 30-day preventive suspension against an electric vehicle taxi unit operated by Green and Smart Mobility Philippines, Inc. (Green GSM).

The regulatory backlash was triggered by a viral video showing the designated taxi driver actively conspiring with two popular online content creators to stage a mock robbery on unsuspecting passengers. In the footage, the driver is seen announcing a "heist" just before the two vloggers boarded the vehicle to carry out the prank.

LTFRB Chairman Vigor Mendoza II strongly condemned the stunt, noting that public utility vehicles (PUVs) must never be used as props for reckless social media clout.

“HIndi ito nakakatuwa, sa halip, ito ay naghahatid ng takot sa ating mga kababayan na regular na sumasakay ng taxi at TNVS(This is not funny, rather, it brings fear to our countrymen who regularly ride taxis and TNVS). We will look into this and we assure that appropriate disciplinary measures will be done,” Mendoza said.

The LTFRB has ordered Green GSM management and the driver to appear in a formal hearing to explain why their public convenience franchise should not be permanently revoked.

Crackdown on Cabbies Targeting Thai Pageant Winners

Photo Courtesy of Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board - LTFRB

In a parallel development, the LTFRB has teamed up with the Philippine National Police (PNP) to track down two traditional taxi drivers accused of robbing and extorting foreign visitors.

The victims, two high-profile Thai models and beauty pageant winners, reported a harrowing experience during their visit to Manila. According to investigators, a taxi driver forced the tourists into an illegal fixed-rate contract instead of utilizing the mandated taxi meter.

Mid-journey, the driver allegedly faked a mechanical breakdown, forced the models out of the vehicle, and conspired with a second taxi driver. During the chaotic transition, the drivers successfully stole a smartphone from the tourists.

The LTFRB has vowed to identify the drivers through CCTV footage and transport logs. Chairman Mendoza reminded the public that taxi operators share strict legal liability for the criminal actions of the drivers they employ.

Public Safety Warning

The LTFRB urged the riding public to remain vigilant and immediately report any erring drivers, illegal fixed-rate charging, or suspicious activities inside public vehicles through their official hotlines.