By I. Inojales | 11:22 AM November 11, 2026
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board in Central Visayas (LTFRB-7) has extended assistance to a deaf woman and her minor daughter in filing criminal charges against a bus conductor accused of committing acts of lasciviousness and sexual harassment aboard a provincial bus in Bohol.
In a press release dated Nov. 10, LTFRB-7 said the alleged incident happened on Nov. 1, 2026, involving a female passenger with hearing disability and her daughter while traveling aboard a bus operated by Southern Star Bus Transit Inc.
The agency said it immediately dispatched its officials to Bohol after learning about the incident through a viral social media post.
In a press release dated Nov. 10, LTFRB-7 said the alleged incident happened on Nov. 1, 2026, involving a female passenger with hearing disability and her daughter while traveling aboard a bus operated by Southern Star Bus Transit Inc.
The agency said it immediately dispatched its officials to Bohol after learning about the incident through a viral social media post.
LTFRB-7 officials personally met with the victim and her family, representatives of Southern Star Bus Transit, and the bus conductor involved in the incident.
The agency also assisted the victim in formally filing criminal charges against the conductor before the appropriate judicial authorities.
Aside from the criminal complaint, LTFRB-7 issued a Show Cause Order (SCO) against the bus operator and directed the company and the conductor to appear before the Board to answer the allegations.
They were also ordered to submit mandatory records, including unedited interior and exterior closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage and dashcam recordings of the trip, for the administrative investigation.
LTFRB-7 Regional Director Abosamen H. Matuan said the agency would not tolerate any form of abuse, harassment or misconduct committed inside public utility vehicles.
“Public transportation must remain a safe sanctuary for every Filipino, especially for women, children, and persons with disabilities. The Board will not tolerate, excuse, or turn a blind eye to any malicious act that violates the honor, dignity, and safety of our commuting public,” Matuan said.
The agency warned that public utility vehicle operators who fail to properly supervise their personnel, enforce gender-sensitivity policies and prevent gender-based sexual harassment could face severe administrative penalties, including the suspension or revocation of their franchise.
LTFRB-7 said it would continue monitoring public transportation operations across Central Visayas to ensure the safety and protection of passengers.
The agency’s actions are in line with the directives of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., through Transportation Secretary Vivencio “Vince” Dizon and LTFRB Acting Chairman Greg G. Pua Jr.
