DAVAO CITY — Authorities have suspended and moved to penalize a taxi driver who went viral on social media after allegedly sexually harassing a female student passenger during a trip in Davao City, prompting outrage and swift action from transport regulators and police.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board Region XI (LTFRB-XI) confirmed that the 54-year-old taxi driver has already surfaced before authorities following an intensified manhunt launched after the victim posted her account online, detailing the fear and trauma she experienced during the ride from a well-known school to their residence.
LTFRB-XI Regional Director Nonito Llanos III said the agency went “the extra mile” to identify the driver, coordinating with the Land Transportation Office (LTO-XI) and the Special Action Intelligence Committee. An entrapment operation eventually led to the driver’s identification and apprehension.
“We are taking this case seriously. Passenger safety is non-negotiable,” Llanos said, stressing that penalties could include the revocation of the driver’s license and other sanctions under existing transport regulations.
According to initial reports, the driver allegedly made sexually explicit remarks and engaged the student in inappropriate discussions involving sexual acts during the trip. The incident quickly gained traction online, triggering public condemnation and calls for accountability.
The driver, however, claimed before authorities that he merely “went along” with the conversation and insisted that the student was no longer a minor. He later apologized for his actions. Despite this defense, regulators maintained that such behavior is unacceptable and constitutes a grave violation of professional and ethical standards.
LTFRB-XI has issued a Show Cause Order against the driver and summoned the taxi operator to explain why administrative sanctions should not be imposed. The driver has been suspended from operating pending the outcome of the case.
A formal hearing is scheduled on Monday, January 26, 2026, where the incident will be thoroughly examined. If found liable, the driver could face stiff penalties, including license cancellation and other administrative and criminal consequences.
Meanwhile, the Davao City Police Office confirmed that the family of the student is determined to file criminal charges against the driver, underscoring their pursuit of justice and accountability.
Authorities reiterated their warning to public utility vehicle drivers to uphold professionalism at all times, reminding them that any form of harassment, especially involving students and other vulnerable passengers, will be dealt with to the fullest extent of the law.