Trigger warning: Inappropriate sexual remarks
Xyriel Manabat addressed a viral post about a TNVS (transport network vehicle services) driver who allegedly made lewd remarks about her.
Photo: Star Magic Philippines/Instagram
The viral post was a selfie with Xyriel with the caption “ang laki ng bata na ‘yan,” and later made inappropriate comments toward her. Upon seeing the viral post, the actress expressed her dismay.
Photo: Screenshot from Facebook
Photo: Screenshot from Facebook
“Sobrang nagulat ako. Papunta lang ako ng work niyan—imagine gaano kahirap buhay ng babae. Nag-work ka lang, nagpa-pic lang (I was really shocked. I was just on my way to work—imagine how hard a woman’s life is. You’re just working, you’re just taking photos)—you are being kind, you are being a decent human being, [and] you get this in return,” she said.
“It is never about the piece of clothing. Naka pang-work ako. Maayos ako nakipag-usap. Nag-tip pa ako (I was dressed for work. I spoke properly. I even gave a tip). I hope your mom, family, sister, wife, daughter, makita nila ‘to. Makitang ganyan ka na tao (I hope they see what kind of person you are),” she added.
The 22-year-old actress shared that she will take action against the driver, affirming that she has always been vocal about her stance regarding women and sexual harassment.
“Hindi ko ’yan papalampasin. Hindi dapat gawing entertainment ’yan (I will not take this lightly. This shouldn’t be seen as entertainment) in any form. I hope the platform or app will do something about this,” she stated.
She continued: “I am never scared to express my passion about protecting women, victims of any gender and age—those who are voiceless. There is nothing to be scared. It fuels [the] reason to be more brave and spread awareness.”
Response from women’s group, ride-hailing app, LTFRB
Following the viral post, Gabriela Women’s Party released a statement condemning the inappropriate action of the TNVS driver. It also called on ride-hailing apps to ensure the safety of every passenger and take immediate action.
“Nanawagan kami sa mga ride-hailing platforms na tiyakin ang kaligtasan ng kanilang mga pasahero. Dapat tiyakin na may agarang aksyon laban sa mga driver na lumalabag sa karapatan at dignidad ng kababaihan (We call on ride-hailing platforms to ensure the safety of their passengers. They must guarantee immediate action against drivers who violate women’s rights and dignity),” it said.
“Kagyat ding ipatupad ang mandatory gender sensitivity trainings at anti-sexual harassment seminars para sa lahat ng TNVS drivers. Dapat malinaw na nauunawaan ng bawat driver na ang kanilang serbisyo ay may kaakibat na responsibilidad na igalang ang karapatan, seguridad, at dignidad ng bawat pasahero (Mandatory gender sensitivity trainings and anti-sexual harassment seminars for all TNVS drivers should also be implemented immediately. It must be clearly understood by every driver that their service comes with the responsibility to respect the rights, safety, and dignity of every passenger),” it added.
The women’s group also backed Xyriel in suing the TNVS driver over his inappropriate remarks: “Buo ang aming suporta kay Xyriel sa kanyang paninindigan na panagutin ang may sala. Sa bawat pambabastos na pinapalampas, lalo lamang pinapalakas ang kultura ng karahasan, kaya dapat itong labanan (We fully support Xyriel in her stand to hold the perpetrator accountable. With every act of harassment that is ignored, the culture of violence is further strengthened, which is why it must be fought).”
Meanwhile, ride-hailing app Grab Philippines confirmed that they are already in contact with the actress to address the incident.
Photo: Grab Philippines/X
“Grab Philippines extends its sincere apology to Ms. Xyriel Manabat for the unacceptable experience she had with a driver. What was reported is deeply concerning and does not reflect the standards we uphold on the platform,” it said in a statement on X.
“We are now undertaking a comprehensive review of our driver behavior protocols, including those governing post-trip conduct, and will introduce further safeguards to address any gaps this incident may have exposed,” it continued.
Finally, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) announced that it will issue a show-cause order against the driver.
“Na-identify na po natin kung sino ‘yung driver, sino ‘yung operator (We already identified who the driver is). Within the day, we will issue the necessary show-cause order,” LTFRB board member Greg Pua said in a briefing.
Xyriel Manabat is one of the lead stars of the coming-of-age romance film “18th Rose” alongside Kyle Echarri. She also made stellar acting performances in “The Secrets of Hotel 88,” “Senior High,” and “Dirty Linen.”
