A ride-hailing driver accused of inappropriate behavior by a student passenger has denied the allegations and called for a fair investigation, following a viral Facebook post detailing the incident.
In the now-private post titled “TW [Trigger Warning]//Sexual Harassment,” the passenger, identified as “Daniella,” claimed that the driver engaged in inappropriate behavior during the trip. She recounted her experience, saying, “I started hearing squishing sounds and he was breathing heavily, almost moaning in fact. I immediately got it.” Daniella stated she discreetly alerted her sister, recorded audio evidence, and confronted the driver before asking to be dropped off at a public location.
The driver, however, denied the allegations in a Facebook post on January 24, explaining, “Hindi po ako nag-masturbate sa ride at hindi ko po gagawin ang karumaldumal na gawaing ito sa publiko.” He attributed the alleged sounds to his heavy breathing caused by asthma and his weight, adding, “Ako po ay overweight, may hika, at high blood. Kakagaling ko lang mag-hapunan.”
The driver emphasized his willingness to cooperate with Grab’s investigation and clarified, “Wala pong nilabas na ari sa kasagsagan ng ride.” He also mentioned that Grab has deactivated his account while the investigation is ongoing, and he expressed concern for his family, who have been receiving threats due to the allegations.
The passenger’s post initially gained significant traction, sparking outrage among netizens, but has since been set to private. Screenshots of the post continue to circulate online. Grab has yet to release an official statement regarding the incident.
Both parties have called for a thorough and impartial investigation to resolve the matter. The driver urged the public not to bash either side, saying, “Humingi lang po ako ng inyong pag-unawa… nawa’y maimbestigahan ito nang patas at maayos.”
