Passenger details experience after being harassed by ride-hailing rider
Ride-hailing apps offer a convenient alternative to traditional commuting in the Philippines, but sometimes safety concerns, such as sexual harassment, can arise.
An X thread recently went viral where the original poster (OP) detailed her unfortunate experience with a rider of a MoveIt app at around midnight on June 2.
According to the OP, she was trying to book since 9 p.m. on June 1 after attending a fan meet at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. She was only able to secure a ride around midnight with her mom's help. When she was first approached the rider, she described him as chatty, saying things like:
“Hinahanap kita ma'am sa tapat ng Bonchon, paalis na nga ako eh sabi ko, kapag panget 'to iiwan ko na, eh kita ko maganda ka naman kaya isasakay kita,” she recalled.
Sharing my experience with MoveIt service yesterday ( after the fanmeet ).
— ََ (@itwashyo) June 2, 2024
Super late na ako nakapagbook dahil ang hirap din makahanap ng rider, my mom was actually able to book one for me around 12AM na. pic.twitter.com/IWbYTvDktk
She added that during the trip, the rider would persistently ask for her personal information such as her mobile number, personal Facebook account, her work, and where she is based.
She also noted how the rider would touch her leg, and one time her thigh, whenever he attempted to face her during the ride.
“Every time na may sasabihin siya, he would tilt to his left side to face me, kasama 'yung kamay niyang luma-landing sa tuhod ko,” the X user said.
The OP was able to record parts of their conversation, including the one when he asked for her Facebook account.
“Add kita. Ayaw mo lang ibigay e [‘yung Facebook account]. Takot ka siguro. Takot ka sa ‘kin, e ang pogi pogi ko?” the rider said in a recorded video. He added, “Kapag nandiyan ka na (sa Makati, where OP is headed), boyfriend mo na ‘ko, ako bahala sa ‘yo. Para may taga hatid sundo ka.”
Uncomfortable and scared, OP shared how she had to make up stories and excuses to try to change the topic and not provoke him.
“I tried to give random numbers, I tried to convert the topic pero I was shaking na on my insides, I was choking up on my own words. Sumakto pa na nag-stop light, I had to think quick for a response na will make him keep down and make him believe na we're calm lang,” she wrote.
“I had these thoughts na baka if I show some signs na natatakot ako or I'm trying to dodge him, baka kasi may gawin na siya,” she continued, adding, “Don't provoke aggressive people.”
She recalled that when they were near the drop-off, the rider became “kind” and gave advice. Fortunately, OP was able to arrive at her destination safely.
“The experience was just too uncanny. Hindi ka sure kung he's just being a ‘kuya’ to you with those angelic advices or what, because of the touching and silly questions from the start,” she said.
Concluding her post, she reminded her followers to take extra precaution when availing ride-hailing services.
“Whatever his true intentions are, reminder lang sa mga dependent na sa mga ganiyang services and sa mga commuters na rin and all, mag-ingat talaga, much better if may kasama/kasabay kayo umuwi or kung may pupuntahan kayo kahit anong oras pa 'yan,” she said. “Don't panic at most.”
She shared that she had been in contact with the customer service of MoveIt and that the company is now investigating the case.
"I'd like to commend their initiative to fix this but also, I wish that their hiring team will do a better upgrade on accepting applicant riders. Further briefing or screening will probably cause more time but it'll be helpful to diminish the concerns of their paying passengers," she concluded her post.
Protection under law, policies
In an uncomfortable situation like this, how can one protect themselves?
Under MoveIt’s policy, any kind of assault, abuse, and harassment are strictly prohibited. Such acts include explicit staring, leering, or gestures, all forms of sexual or non-sexual harassment/threat/intimidation—may it be verbal or written—via phone calls, messaging apps, social media “including but not limited to asking personal questions or commenting on appearance.”
They also prohibit all forms of physical or in-person harassment, contacting or stalking users after booking for personal reasons, either online or in-person.
In addition to that, Philippine law also criminalizes unwanted acts. As per the Republic Act No. 11313 or the Safe Spaces Act, catcalling, relentless requests for personal details, and any advances, whether verbal or physical, have threatened one’s sense of personal space and physical safety.
Perpetrators may be subject to a fine of P1,000 to a maximum of P100,000 or arresto mayor to a maximum of six months.