Cebu taxi company to conduct own probe after driver's alleged overcharging attempt on TXT’s Soobin

The taxi company that owns the vehicle TXT’s Soobin boarded has said it will conduct its own investigation following the alleged overcharging attempt by its driver on the K-pop idol.

According to Athena Imperial’s report on “24 Oras” on Friday, GMA Regional TV was able to trace the taxi company in Cebu City. 

The company's liaison officer said they are saddened by the incident and that they will conduct their own investigation.

The driver will be summoned to explain his side.

The liaison officer also said that the company is helping its drivers amid rising fuel costs, including lowering rental fees and offering cheaper fuel at its own depot. 

This development comes after the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) summoned the taxi operator over the alleged scam attempt.

In a statement on Friday, LTFRB Chairperson Vigor Mendoza II said the operator was directed to surrender the taxi's license plate and the driver's license.

The taxi driver's actions allegedly violated LTFRB's rules and regulations, as well as the terms and conditions of the operator's Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC).

Based on an initial investigation by LTFRB Central Visayas (Region 7), the taxi unit was cited for overcharging and deliberate non-use of the meter. 

The unit has been placed under a 30-day suspension.

Despite the issuance of the show cause order, the LTFRB said the operator would be given the opportunity to explain in writing why its franchise should not be revoked. 

A hearing has been set for April 21.

Soobin detailed the alleged overcharging attempt in his Cebu travel vlog, posted on Wednesday. The vlog showed a taxi driver attempting to charge him and a friend P1,000 for a short trip from the airport to their hotel.

Soobin, the leader of K-Pop boy band TXT, reportedly boarded the taxi from Mactan-Cebu International Airport while on vacation in the Philippines. 

—Jade Veronique Yap/CDC, GMA News