Philippines LTO permanently revokes taxi driver's license after sexual assault

The Philippine Land Transportation Office (LTO) has permanently revoked the driver's license of a taxi driver following a sexual assault complaint. During a hearing by the agency’s Intelligence and Investigation Division, the driver admitted under oath that sexual activity occurred inside his vehicle in the early hours of September 12, 2026.

The incident began when a female passenger reported that she fell asleep during her ride and was taken to a location other than her intended destination, where she was allegedly assaulted. The LTO declared the driver an ‘Improper Person to Operate a Motor Vehicle,’ meaning he is barred from applying for any type of driver's license in the future.

The taxi operator was also found liable for breaching franchise conditions and employing a discourteous driver. LTO Chief Markus Lacanilao stated that the penalty serves as a warning to the public transport sector, emphasizing that the agency will not tolerate abuse involving vehicles responsible for passenger safety.