MANILA — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has issued a show cause order against a taxi operator following the alleged attempt to overcharge K-pop idol Choi Soobin in Cebu.

LTFRB Chairperson Vigor Mendoza II said the operator was ordered to surrender the taxi’s license plate and the driver’s license as part of the investigation.

“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,” he said.

Mendoza said the incident is a serious offense and could tarnish the country’s image before the international community.

Initial findings by LTFRB Central Visayas showed that the taxi driver allegedly overcharged the passenger and deliberately failed to use the meter, in violation of LTFRB rules and the terms of the operator’s Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC).

The taxi unit has been placed under a 30-day suspension. The operator has also been directed to explain in writing why its franchise should not be revoked, with a hearing scheduled on April 21.

Mendoza added that the agency is considering stricter measures, including the automatic filing of criminal charges and the impounding of taxi units involved in similar violations.

Soobin, leader of K-pop group Tomorrow X Together, reportedly took the taxi from Mactan-Cebu International Airport while on vacation in the Philippines.