Jeepneys have long carried the title “hari ng kalsada” (literally king of the road) in the Philippines. It’s a nickname earned from their dominance on local roads. But for many motorists, it has also become associated with many jeepney drivers’ bad driving habits. Motorists have seen jeepneys stop in the middle of the road to pick up or drop off passengers, swerve dangerously across lanes without signaling, drive at night without headlights, or even race other PUVs just to get to the next waiting commuter first.

That last one appears to be the case in a viral dashcam video that prompted the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to suspend a passenger jeepney after a commuter was thrown out of the vehicle while it was still moving.

Using details captured in the viral footage, the LTFRB identified the operator of the jeepney bearing plate number APA-4905 and immediately imposed a 30-day preventive suspension. LTFRB Chairman Vigor Mendoza II reminded public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers that passenger safety should always come first.

“Public utility vehicles are neither built nor approved to operate for car racing. As PUV drivers, it is always incumbent upon you to prioritize the safety of your passengers at all times,” said Mendoza.

The agency also issued a Show Cause Order (SCO) directing the operator to explain why the jeepney’s authority to operate, a.k.a. franchise, should not be suspended or revoked. Among the violations cited were the failure to provide safe, reliable, and convenient public transportation service, as well as employing a reckless driver.

A hearing has been scheduled for July 14, where the LTFRB is expected to determine the condition of the passenger and whether the operator extended any assistance following the incident.

Aside from the preventive suspension, the operator was ordered to surrender the jeepney’s license plate, require the driver to undergo a mandatory drug test and road safety seminar, and present the vehicle for a roadworthiness inspection.

Mendoza also thanked the motorist who uploaded the dashcam footage, saying reports from the public help authorities respond more quickly to road safety violations. He warned that operators who ignore the agency’s summons face a PHP 5,000 fine and possible revocation of their franchise.