Jeepney driver faces charges for groping passenger

MANILA, Philippines - A jeepney driver who was accused of sexually harassing his passenger is facing charges of acts of lasciviousness with physical injury, the victim’s lawyer said yesterday.

Ernesto Francisco told reporters that he is waiting for the result of his client’s medical examination before filing charges before the Quezon City prosecutor’s office against Emmanuel Escalona, the “lip-licking” jeepney driver seen in a viral video allegedly groping his passenger.

Francisco has also asked the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to cancel the franchise of Jhonny Boy Buasen, the operator of the jeepney driven by Escalona.

He said his client suffered injuries when she jumped out of the jeepney after Escalona reportedly groped her.

Francisco has also asked the LTFRB to request the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to cancel the license of Escalona.

LTFRB board member Ariel Inton said that they have already requested the LTO to cancel Escalona’s license.  

Buasen, meanwhile, asked the LTFRB not to cancel his franchise as it was Escalona’s fault. He said he has suspended Escalona, who has been driving for him for three years, after learning of the incident.

Inton said Buasen violated his franchise by failing to conduct tests before hiring Escalona. 

Escalona said during the hearing the LTFRB held yesterday that he did not know what came over him that prompted him to touch his passenger’s legs.

He also admitted uttering “pakapa (let me touch) at masarap (it feels good)” when questioned by LTFRB officials during the hearing.