APRIL 3, 2026 — The LTFRB has summoned a Cebu taxi operator after TXT’s Soobin revealed in a viral vlog that he was overcharged during his vacation, sparking outrage both locally and internationally. The incident has led to a 30-day suspension of the taxi unit, surrender of the driver’s license, and a looming threat of franchise revocation.

When Tomorrow X Together’s leader Soobin shared his Cebu experience on YouTube, fans expected sun, sea, and smiles. Instead, they got a cautionary tale: a taxi driver allegedly charged him ₱500 for a ₱350 fare, then later demanded ₱1,000. The vlog went viral, and suddenly, the Philippines was trending for all the wrong reasons.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) wasted no time. Chairperson Vigor Mendoza II called the act “a serious offense especially that this incident puts the name of our country in bad light in the international community.” He ordered the operator to surrender the taxi’s license plate and the driver’s license, with a hearing set for April 21 to determine if the franchise should be revoked.

Mendoza said, “Hindi ito ugali ng Pilipino, ugali ito ng mga walang hiya. At huwag ninyong idadahilan ang kahirapan dito dahil napakaraming kababayan natin na lumalaban ng patas at hindi nanggugulang ng kapwa.”

(This is not aligned with the Filipinos’ character. These are acts by scoundrels. Don’t use poverty as an excuse here because many of our countrymen fight fairly and don’t exploit others.)

This isn’t just about one taxi ride but about tourism, reputation, and trust. Cebu thrives on visitors, and every viral misstep chips away at the image we project to the world. Overcharging isn’t new, but when it happens to a global celebrity, the damage multiplies.

The LTFRB now vows stricter measures: automatic filing of criminal cases and impounding of taxis caught overcharging. 

This incident forces us to ask: Are we serious about cleaning up public transport, or do we only act when international shame knocks on our door? If we want tourism to flourish and Filipinos to feel respected in their own cities, accountability must be consistent — not just when a K-pop idol calls us out.

How many more viral embarrassments must we endure before we finally fix the everyday scams that ordinary Pinoys suffer in silence?

(Image: Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board - NCR)