Philippines probes Grab over alleged sexual assault of Vietnamese passenger
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Philippine regulators have launched an investigation into the alleged robbery and sexual assault of a Vietnamese woman who booked a ride using the Grab ride-hailing app.
The Philippines’ Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board has requested the firm to explain the incident and given it five days to comply, quoting the agency’s chair Teofilo Guadiz III as saying on Wednesday. If found to be negligent, the firm could be suspended for at least 30 days and face fines.
The robbery and sexual assault allegedly occurred on Sept. 5 when a Vietnamese woman booked a ride in Parañaque City.
During the ride, the driver reportedly allowed another passenger to board the car.
This passenger then reportedly took the woman’s phone and cash, which amounted to 35,000 Philippine pesos (US$623), before raping her inside the vehicle. The driver was arrested by the police on Sept. 7.
Grab’s Philippine unit said on Thursday that the driver involved in the case has been permanently banned from the platform.
It has reached out to the victim to offer assistance and will fully cooperate with the Philippine police in the investigation.
Questions & Answers
Q.What actions has the Philippine regulatory body taken regarding this incident?
What actions has the Philippine regulatory body taken regarding this incident?
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board has launched an investigation. It has requested Grab to explain the incident and given the company five days to respond to the allegations.
Q.What potential consequences could Grab face if found negligent by the authorities?
What potential consequences could Grab face if found negligent by the authorities?
If found to be negligent, the company could face a suspension from operating for a minimum of 30 days. It also risks significant financial penalties imposed by the regulatory board.
Q.How much money and valuables were reportedly stolen from the victim during the alleged incident?
How much money and valuables were reportedly stolen from the victim during the alleged incident?
The victim reportedly had her phone and cash taken during the incident. The stolen cash amounted to 35,000 Philippine pesos, which is equivalent to approximately US$623.
Q.What steps has Grab's Philippine unit taken since the alleged assault came to light?
What steps has Grab's Philippine unit taken since the alleged assault came to light?
Grab's Philippine unit has permanently banned the driver involved from its platform. It has also contacted the victim to offer assistance and committed to fully cooperating with the police investigation.
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