Cabbie gets P.2-M fine for molesting student

MANILA, Philippines – A fine of P200,000 will be imposed on a taxi driver for allegedly molesting a grade school student in his cab, an official of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said yesterday.

Reports said the girl was on her way home when she was spotted walking along a road in Antipolo City by Harry Soriano of Sampaloc Transit Inc.

Pretending to be lost, Soriano asked for directions from the victim and offered to give her a ride.

The girl was hesitant to take the ride but Soriano allegedly forced her to board the taxi.

The suspect brought the girl to a grassy area in Barangay Munting Dilaw where he tried to rape her.

Barangay officials arrested Soriano after they noticed the parked taxi and saw the girl half naked.

LTFRB board member Ariel Inton said they ordered Soriano and the taxi operator to attend a hearing next month.