A recent vlog by TXT leader Soobin has sparked online conversations after he shared an experience of an alleged overcharging attempt by a taxi driver during his trip to Cebu.
Following the incident, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) issued a show-cause order against the taxi operator connected to the vehicle in question.
Photo: Together x Tomorrow/YouTube
In his travel vlog, Soobin recounted how he and a companion took a taxi from Mactan-Cebu International Airport to their hotel. Based on their initial check, the fare was estimated to be around ₱300. However, the driver reportedly quoted ₱500 at the start of the trip, citing higher fuel costs.
According to Soobin, the situation escalated during the ride when the fare was allegedly increased to ₱1,000. The two were able to negotiate it back down to ₱500, but upon reaching their destination, the driver reportedly attempted to raise the fare again.
“Five hundred? But we checked the app, and it’s saying it’s only like 300,” Soobin’s friend said.
“It’s because the gas is very expensive,” the taxi driver explained.
Soobin said they stood firm on the agreed amount and mentioned the possibility of reporting the incident.
“Once we arrived, the driver tried to charge us ₱1,000 again, but we told him firmly that we were only going to pay ₱500,” he said.
The video quickly circulated online, prompting reactions from fans and viewers, as well as calls for accountability.
A scam is a scam. Struggles dont justify dishonesty. If anything, it’s even more harmful because it normalizes exploiting people instead of fixing the system. We can acknowledge the problem without becoming part of it. https://t.co/f1k5eIU25P pic.twitter.com/Jwoa0ReAdZ
— 7TH YEARTERRY🐈⬛ (@for_you_th_) April 2, 2026
On April 3, 2026, the LTFRB responded by summoning the taxi operator involved. In its statement, the agency cited “alleged flagrant violations of overcharging and deliberate non-use of the taxi meter,” emphasizing that such actions go against the terms of a Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC).
The LTFRB has required the operator to submit a sworn explanation within five days explaining why no disciplinary action should be taken. Possible consequences may include suspension or cancellation of the franchise.
As part of its initial response, the agency also imposed a 30-day preventive suspension on the taxi unit identified by body number 4351. Authorities have been instructed to surrender the vehicle’s plate number and the driver’s license while the investigation is ongoing.
LTFRB Chairperson Atty. Vigor Mendoza II also underscored the broader impact of incidents like this, noting that cases involving visitors can influence how the country is perceived internationally.
Despite the situation, Soobin continued to enjoy his stay in Cebu, where he spent time exploring local food spots and trying activities like swimming, ziplining, and scuba diving after attending TXT’s event in Manila.
The LTFRB’s investigation is ongoing as of writing.
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