The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has ordered the immediate impounding of a taxi unit and the filing of criminal charges against its driver and operator after they were accused of overcharging a K-pop idol during a recent trip to Cebu.
LTFRB Chairperson Vigor D. Mendoza II said the agency is now crafting a stricter policy to allow the swift filing of criminal cases and impounding of taxis involved in similar violations.
The move follows a viral incident involving Soobin of Tomorrow X Together, who was reportedly charged excessive fares by a taxi driver.
Based on a video that circulated online, the taxi initially quoted a fare of ₱350 but later charged ₱500, with the driver allegedly insisting on a ₱1,000 payment, citing the rising cost of fuel. The incident drew widespread criticism and highlighted similar complaints from foreign visitors and performers in the country.
“Enough is enough… these actions put our country to shame,” Mendoza said, as he directed LTFRB Region 7 to identify the driver and operator and locate the taxi for immediate impoundment.
He confirmed that criminal charges for violations of public service laws and estafa will be filed, alongside administrative sanctions such as franchise revocation and coordination with the Land Transportation Office for license cancellation.
The LTFRB said the case will serve as a test for the agency’s upcoming policy, which aims to impose stricter penalties on abusive public utility vehicle drivers. The initiative aligns with directives from Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Giovanni Z. Lopez to strengthen commuter protection and restore the country’s image among international visitors.
