MANILA – The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has launched an investigation into the alleged robbery and sexual assault against a Vietnamese national and is eyeing sanctions against transport network vehicle service (TNVS) company Grab Philippines.
In a statement on Wednesday, LTFRB chair Teofilo Guadiz III said a letter was sent to Grab asking to explain what transpired during the incident.
Grab has five days to explain before the LTFRB decides on the case.
‘Puwede ho naming ma-suspend ‘yung kanilang app for at least 30 days sa first offense po, kung makita mang may kapabayaan po, pero ‘yan po ay gagawin namin ‘yan as a matter of due process (We can suspend their app for at least 30 days as a first offense, if we see negligence. But we will do that as part of due process),’ Guadiz said.
Aside from suspension, the company may also face fines if found negligent.
Possible sanctions will be enacted after the investigation.
In a statement, Grab said the driver involved has alrea
dy been permanently banned from the platform and the company is extending full cooperation to the Philippine National Police (PNP) in their ongoing investigation.
“At the same time, we are also reaching out to the complainant to ensure that she is provided with the support and assistance she requires,” the statement read.
To date, the LTFRB has filed a police report to validate the facts of the case, has written to Grab, and has also reached out to the victim to get her side of the story.
‘Mag-iimbestiga kami definitely and then kung sino nga po yung may kasalanan, mananagot po (We will definitely investigate and whoever is found guilty, they will be held accountable),’ he said.
He called on the public to be cautious in using ride-hailing apps and to inform a trusted person about the details of their trip.
‘Always verify the driver’s identity, share your trip details with a trusted person, and stay alert throughout the journey to ensure your safety,’ he said.
On Sept. 5, a Vietnamese woman was allegedly
robbed and raped during a ride with a TNVS service in Parañaque City.
The woman was said to have been driven around by the driver and they were later joined in the vehicle by an accomplice.
The accomplice threatened the victim with a knife and took PHP35,000 in cash before the sexual assault.
The victim was dropped off at Barangay San Dionisio in Parañaque City where she reported the incident to the police.
The driver suspect was arrested in Cabuyao, Laguna on Sept. 7 and admitted to the crime but insisted it was his accomplice who committed the rape, which the victim corroborated. (PNA)
Source: Philippines News agency