The operation of an electric vehicle taxi was suspended by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) for 30 days after its driver got involved in a viral robbery prank.
According to the LTFRB on Saturday, a show cause order will be issued against the Green and Smart Mobility Philippines and the owner of the electric vehicle taxi, whose driver was accused of participating with vloggers in the prank.
In a viral video, a driver was seen announcing the heist and was joined by two vloggers who acted as robbers.
LTFRB chairperson Atty. Vigor Mendoza said that the prank ‘sends the wrong message’ that it is dangerous to commute in the country.
‘This is not funny and it causes fear to regular passengers of taxis and TNVS (transport network vehicle service),’ Mendoza said in a press release.
‘We will look into this and we assure that appropriate disciplinary measures will be done,’ he added.
Mendoza then urged the public utility vehicle (PUV) operators and drivers to bring back the trust and confidence of the riding public.
Meanwhile, Green GSM Philippines said that the activity was conducted without its approval and knowledge. The company also said that it does not authorize the use of its vehicles or services for any activities that may lead to conduct of activities perceived as crimes.
‘The driver involved did not inform the company before participating and did not report the incident immediately thereafter. Green GSM was not involved in the planning, production, or publication of the content, to our knowledge,’ Green GSM Philippines said in a separate statement.
The firm also said it recognized the concerns raised in the video, noting that ‘any conduct that could reasonably create fear, alarm, confusion, or the perception of criminal activity is inconsistent with the professional, safety, operational, and customer service standards expected of drivers operating under the Green GSM brand.’