Technology has made it much easier for commuters to book a taxi and get from their pickup point to their intended destination. These app-based services have made booking more convenient, with passengers able to see trip details and driver information before getting into the vehicle.

But while these services are generally safe, a recent complaint involving a taxi driver accused of sexually abusing a passenger has put commuter safety back in focus.

LTO Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao ordered an investigation and the issuance of a Show Cause Order (SCO) after the agency received a complaint involving a Green GSM taxi driver in Parañaque City on September 12, 2026.

According to the passenger’s account, which was first reported on the Raffy Tulfo in Action program, the passenger fell asleep during the trip and was not dropped off at the intended destination. The passenger said they were instead dropped off at a different location, where the alleged abuse reportedly took place. The passenger later escaped and filed a complaint against the driver.

The LTO said CCTV footage and the driver’s identity contained in the passenger’s booking details were used to identify the Green GSM taxi driver.

As part of the investigation and due process, the driver and the registered owner or operator of the vehicle have been ordered to appear before the LTO’s Intelligence and Investigation Division (IID) at the agency’s Central Office on September 24. They must also submit sworn statements and supporting documents in response to the allegations stated in the SCO.

The Green GSM taxi has been placed under alarm status, while the driver’s license of the accused was automatically suspended for 90 days as part of this process.

According to the LTO, the driver could face sanctions for being an Improper Person to Operate a Motor Vehicle, which may result in the suspension or revocation of his driver’s license. The registered owner or operator may also face sanctions under Joint Administrative Order (JAO) 2014-01 for Employing an Insolent or Discourteous Driver and Breach of Franchise Conditions, if the alleged violations are established.

The LTO also said that it is recommending that the driver be permanently disqualified from obtaining or reacquiring a driver’s license if he is found liable for the violations connected to the incident.

The LTO is encouraging passengers and motorists to report alleged violations, abuse, and other incidents involving drivers through its official reporting channels so the agency can investigate and take appropriate action.

We reached out to Green GSM for comment but had not received a response as of press time.