Xyriel Manabat wouldn’t let a TNVS driver’s lewd remarks about her pass.
The issue gained traction after social media users exposed the driver’s supposed posts, which appeared to sexualize the former child star after she became his passenger.
One of the posts read, “Nagulat ako nagpa-picture sa akin […] Ang laki ng bata na ’yan,” accompanied by a vulgar comment.
Manabat, who has long advocated against sexual harassment and abuse, addressed the controversy during a recent event for her upcoming film “18th Rose.”
The actress said she was shocked upon seeing the posts, recalling that she had simply been on her way to work at the time of the encounter.
“Now that I’m seeing it, hindi ko ’yan papalagpasin. Hindi dapat nagiging entertainment ’yan in any form,” she said.
She emphasized how the incident reflects the everyday struggles faced by women, noting that her interaction with the driver had been purely polite.
“Sobrang nagulat ako kasi papunta lang ako sa trabaho niyan. Imagine kung gaano kahirap ang buhay ng isang babae. Nagtatrabaho ka lang, may nagpa-picture lang sa’yo. You’re just being kind, you’re just being a decent human being… and you get this in return,” she added.
The actress also called on the ride-hailing platform involved to take action, stressing that such incidents should not be taken lightly.
“I hope the platform or the app does something about this because it’s not petty. It’s not something that any woman or anyone should experience on a daily basis,” she said.
Manabat further clarified that her clothing and behavior during the ride were appropriate, rejecting any implication that they justified the driver’s remarks.
“It’s never about the piece of clothing. Nakapantrabaho ako. Maayos ko siyang kinausap. As far as I could remember, ang bait-bait ko sa kanya. Nag-tip pa nga ata ako kasi nahiya ako ‘pag may pinaghihintay akong tao,” she shared.
Xyriel also expressed hope that the driver’s family would become aware of his actions, “Sana makita nila ’to at malaman nila na ganyang klase ka ng tao.”
Following calls from netizens for accountability, Grab Philippines responded to one of the posts on X, assuring the public that the matter is under investigation.
“At Grab, we practice zero tolerance for inappropriate contact and other misconduct. Rest assured, we have invited the driver involved as part of our full investigation and are committed to taking the necessary actions,” the company said.
