The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has suspended the operation of a transport network vehicle service (TNVS) unit and issued a show cause order against its driver following an incident involving actress Xyriel Manabat.

In a statement released on Saturday, the LTFRB said the driver was penalized after allegedly posting a photo of Manabat on social media accompanied by lewd and inappropriate remarks.

LTFRB chairperson Vigor Mendoza II said the agency would hold the driver accountable, noting that the act may fall under sexual harassment.

“No woman deserves to be treated this way,” Mendoza said, citing the agency’s Bawal Bastos campaign against harassment in public transport.

“As initial action, we have already suspended the operation of this TNVS pending the result of the ongoing investigation,” he added.

The LTFRB also ordered the driver to undergo a mandatory drug test and submit relevant documents, including the vehicle’s license plate and proof of authority to operate.

The driver has been directed to file a written explanation within 10 days, explaining why his franchise should not be suspended or revoked. A hearing has been scheduled for April 28, where he is expected to appear before a hearing officer.

The show cause order warned that failure to attend the hearing or submit a response would be considered a waiver of the driver’s right to be heard and could result in a penalty of ₱5,000.

Earlier, Grab Philippines confirmed that the driver had already been placed under preventive suspension for violating company policies.

Meanwhile, Senator Risa Hontiveros condemned the incident, stressing that harassment of passengers is punishable under the law and calling for stricter accountability measures in the transport sector.

The incident drew widespread criticism online after Manabat herself called attention to the post and demanded accountability.

The controversy began when the actress shared that a TNVS driver had asked to take a photo with her. The image was later uploaded by the driver with vulgar captions, prompting backlash from netizens and raising concerns over passenger safety and respect in ride-hailing services.