The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has imposed a 30-day suspension on a Cebu taxi unit following an overcharging complaint by Choi Soobin, leader of South Korean boy group Tomorrow X Together (TXT), after the K-pop star documented the alleged incident in a travel vlog posted this week.
The transport regulatory agency issued a show cause order against the taxi operator, ordered the surrender of the vehicle’s license plate and driver’s license, and scheduled a hearing for April 21 to address the franchise violations.
According to the vlog uploaded by Soobin, the controversy began when he and a companion arrived at Mactan-Cebu International Airport and sought transportation to their hotel. The pair had expected the trip to cost approximately P300 based on an app estimate but were initially quoted P500 by the taxi driver.
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Escalating Fare Demands During Journey
The situation deteriorated once the passengers were inside the taxi, according to Soobin’s account in the video. The driver allegedly raised the fare to P1,000, citing expensive fuel costs as justification for the increase.
After negotiating the amount back down to P500 during the journey, Soobin said the driver again attempted to collect P1,000 upon reaching their destination. In the vlog footage, Soobin can be heard stating his intention to report the incident and requesting that the documentation not be edited from the final video.
The TXT leader also revealed that fellow group member Taehyun had previously visited Cebu and warned him about potential overpricing issues, advising him to remain firm if confronted with such situations.
Swift Regulatory Response to International Incident
LTFRB Chairperson Vigor Mendoza II characterized the incident as serious, stating that it portrayed the country negatively before the international community, according to statements carried by multiple Philippine news outlets.
The agency’s investigation in Central Visayas identified violations including overcharging and deliberate non-use of the taxi meter, both contraventions of transport regulations and the operator’s Certificate of Public Convenience terms.
Beyond the immediate 30-day suspension and license surrender requirements, the LTFRB directed the operator to provide written explanation regarding why their franchise should not be revoked entirely.
Criminal Charges Under Consideration
The regulatory response has intensified as the case gained public attention. Mendoza indicated that criminal charges would be pursued against both the driver and operator, potentially including violations of the Public Service Act and estafa charges.
The LTFRB is also reportedly studying stricter policy measures that would enable immediate criminal case filing and vehicle impounding for future overcharging incidents, signaling a broader crackdown on such practices.
These enhanced enforcement measures reflect growing concern about the impact of taxi overcharging on the Philippines’ tourism reputation, particularly when incidents involve international visitors with significant social media followings.
Fan Group Amplifies Complaint
A local TXT fan group in Cebu submitted an additional complaint to the LTFRB, arguing that the distance from Mactan-Cebu International Airport to the destination shown in Soobin’s vlog did not justify the demanded fare.
The fan group expressed concern that such incidents could damage Cebu’s reputation as a tourist-friendly destination, especially when broadcast to global audiences through celebrity travel content.
The group’s formal complaint adds civilian pressure to the regulatory proceedings and demonstrates how social media documentation can mobilize both fan communities and official responses.
Taxi Company Promises Internal Investigation
The taxi company associated with the suspended unit announced it would conduct its own internal investigation, according to local media reports. This corporate response comes amid mounting public criticism on social media platforms.
Many online users condemned the alleged attempt to overcharge a foreign visitor, warning about broader implications for Philippine tourism when such experiences receive international exposure through celebrity platforms.
Pattern of Celebrity Transport Complaints
Soobin’s experience joins a series of similar complaints involving visiting celebrities and Philippine taxi services. GMA News noted that this was not the first incident involving a K-pop idol, referencing a 2022 case where Seventeen member Joshua Hong reported overcharging by a Manila taxi driver.
These recurring celebrity complaints highlight persistent issues with taxi service standards at major transport hubs and tourist destinations across the Philippines.
The pattern suggests systemic challenges in enforcing fare regulations, particularly in areas with high concentrations of international visitors who may be perceived as willing to pay inflated rates.
Tourism Industry Stakes in Resolution
The high-profile nature of Soobin’s complaint has transformed the incident from a routine fare dispute into a test case for transport enforcement credibility. The K-pop star’s substantial international following means the experience reaches far beyond typical tourist feedback channels.
With the 30-day suspension already implemented and the April 21 hearing approaching, the LTFRB faces pressure to demonstrate that celebrity complaints will result in meaningful accountability rather than temporary publicity responses.
The case occurs as the Philippines continues promoting international tourism recovery, making transport service quality and visitor experience increasingly critical economic factors.
The outcome of the April hearing and any subsequent criminal proceedings will likely influence both transport operator behavior and regulatory enforcement strategies for similar future incidents involving international visitors.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of LTFRB Central Visayas
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