LTFRB Addresses Cebu Taxi Fare Hike on K-pop Icon Soobin

Photo courtesy of Philstar

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has issued a show cause order against a taxi operator in Cebu, where a driver allegedly attempted to overcharge Korean singer Soobin. The incident was captured in Soobin's vlog, where the fare was initially agreed at PHP 500 but later hiked to PHP 1,000 by the driver. This situation has drawn attention as it reflects poorly on the country's reputation internationally, according to LTFRB Chair Vigor Mendoza.

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Soobin, leader of the group Tomorrow X Together, recounted his experience in a vlog post, mentioning that the expected fare was PHP 300, bumped up to PHP 500 by the driver due to high fuel prices. Upon reaching his destination, the fare was doubled, prompting Soobin to contest the charge and threaten to report the incident. The LTFRB has acted by demanding the surrender of the taxi's license plate and the driver's license as part of its investigation.

Experts note that while there is an acknowledgment of soaring fuel prices, primarily due to Middle East tensions, a planned fare increase for public transport was recently suspended. The viral nature of the video incident has prompted widespread public and official scrutiny. The LTFRB's swift response aims to address potential abuses in fare practices and maintain the country's international image.

The next steps involve a formal investigation into the taxi operator's conduct and enforcement of appropriate sanctions if any violations are confirmed. The case has put a spotlight on the transparency and fairness of fare systems within the transportation sector, with potential policy reviews on the horizon.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now · Philstar · 03 Apr 2026