The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has ordered motorcycle taxi platform JoyRide to explain why its authority to operate should not be suspended or cancelled following a viral video showing one of its riders allegedly sexually harassing a young female passenger.
Acting LTFRB Chairman Greg Pua Jr. issued a show-cause order requiring JoyRide, as a motorcycle taxi platform provider, to respond to the allegations. The agency also directed the company to ensure that the rider seen in the video appears at the board’s hearing scheduled for October 6.
Initial findings indicate that the passenger had booked a JoyRide motorcycle taxi from San Mateo, Rizal, to Cubao, Quezon City. During the trip, the rider allegedly began harassing her, prompting the passenger to record the incident on video. The footage later circulated widely on social media.
The LTFRB said the alleged conduct could violate the conditions of JoyRide’s authority to operate, which require the platform to provide safe, reliable and convenient public transportation services. The agency said it is examining the circumstances surrounding the complaint as part of its regulatory proceedings.
The board is also looking into possible additional cases involving JoyRide, particularly whether the platform properly vetted riders operating under its motorcycle taxi service. The inquiry could broaden the regulatory scrutiny beyond the specific incident captured in the viral video.
The show-cause order does not itself mean that JoyRide’s authority to operate has been cancelled. The company and the rider are being given an opportunity to respond before the LTFRB determines what regulatory action, if any, should follow.
Pua said the LTFRB’s proceedings are separate from any criminal or other legal action that may be pursued by law enforcement agencies, including the Philippine National Police.
The case puts renewed attention on passenger safety in motorcycle taxi services, particularly the responsibility of platforms to screen riders, enforce safety standards and respond to complaints involving alleged misconduct.
The October 6 hearing will be the next major step in the LTFRB proceedings, with the board expected to consider the complaint, the rider’s response and other available records before deciding whether further sanctions against JoyRide or the rider are warranted.
