THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has issued a show cause order against the operator of a taxi allegedly involved in an overcharging and scam attempt against K-pop singer Soobin during his trip to Cebu.
LTFRB Chairperson Vigor Mendoza II said the operator was ordered to surrender the license plate of the taxi and the driver’s license of the driver involved in the incident, which went viral after a video was posted on the K-pop group’s YouTube channel.
“This is a serious offense, especially since the incident puts the name of our country in a bad light in the international community. The viral video itself is already strong evidence,” Mendoza said in a press release on Good Friday, April 3, 2026.
Mendoza said the incident constituted violations of LTFRB rules and regulations as well as the terms and conditions of the taxi’s Certificate of Public Convenience, particularly for overcharging and the deliberate non-use of the taxi meter.
While the LTFRB has taken action against the operator, Mendoza said due process will still be observed.
The operator has been given the opportunity to explain in writing why its franchise should not be revoked and a hearing scheduled on April 21.
Based on the initial investigation by the LTFRB 7 office, the taxi unit involved bears body number 4351.
The singer reportedly took the taxi from Mactan-Cebu International Airport while on vacation in the Philippines in March.
The taxi unit has already been placed under a 30-day suspension.
Mendoza said the LTFRB’s actions will not end with this case, as the agency is pushing for a policy that would allow the automatic filing of criminal cases and the impounding of taxi units involved in overcharging incidents.
“We are with the taxi drivers who follow the rules and regulations, but we will make sure to send a strong message on what will happen if these rules are ignored at the expense of passengers,” Mendoza said. (JJL)
