LTFRB summons ride-hailing firm after driver allegedly threatened passengers

Metro Manila, Philippines - The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has summoned the ride-hailing company InDrive over an incident involving one of its drivers, who allegedly threatened to stab his passengers.

In a statement on Thursday, July 17, the agency said it asked InDrive to explain why the government should not suspend or cancel its accreditation over the viral incident.

In the video, passengers claimed that the driver threatened to hurt them with a bladed weapon after arguing on the pinned location and forced them to disembark from the vehicle.

The LTFRB allowed the company to file an answer in 10 days, setting the hearing on July 31.

The Land Transportation Office earlier suspended the driver’s license for 90 days.

“Failure on the part of InDrive to appear before the hearing officer and file an answer, shall be considered as a waiver on their part to be heard and shall cause the imposition of a penalty in the amount of P5,000,” LTFRB chairperson Teofilo Guadiz said.

The agency said it is considering tightening requirements and qualifications for drivers of ride-hailing services following the incident.

“Incidents like brandishing a deadly weapon to your passengers is something that should not be happening and should not be experienced by any passenger riding the public transportation,” Guadiz said.

InDrive has yet to publicly address the matter.

NewsWatch Plus correspondent Lance Mejico contributed to this report.