Transport app used for sexual bookings?

CEBU, Philippines —  Cebu City Councilor Rey Gealon has filed a resolution urging a transportation and delivery company to address issues on alleged recent illicit sexual bookings made through its mobile app.

The resolution was filed following the circulation of photos and screenshots online showing certain individuals who booked sexual favors through the mobile app of Maxim.

According to Gealon, this information reached their office wherein their assistance was also sought. Gealon, however, refused to give names of those who sought help to protect their respective identities.

“One thing is for sure, they are with the company,” Gealon said, referring to the individuals who sought assistance on the matter.

In the resolution, it mentions that Maxim is commonly used by Cebuanos as a form of motortaxi. A mobile app is used by the drivers and passengers to communicate when booking.

“The driver and passenger can also communicate through the app via text or phone call for the sole purpose of only coordinating with the exact pickup details of the passenger and nothing else,” the resolution reads.

The resolution further mentions that based on recent incidents, some users have reportedly taken advantage of the mobile app, asking for a different service, specifically sexual favors instead of booking a ride or any delivery service.

“Such illicit bookings are alarming as it poses threat to the safety and security of riders, as they are earnestly working for a living, and do not need to be on the receiving end of any illicit sexual favors,” reads the resolution.

In line with this, Gealon has requested the company to address this concern.

When screenshots of these transactions that transpired of the mobile app were posted in The Freeman Newspaper’s social media page, citizens reacted and expressed hope that immediate action will be made.

“I hope that people who do this to riders who are just working to earn a living realize just how disrespectful and rude this is. Maka amgo unta sila nga nanginabuhi ra tawon ug tarung ning mga riders, ug dili sila angay mabastos samtang ga trabaho sila,” one social media user said who shared the same post.

To fully look into the matter, Gealon also asked the company to investigate the matter by either adopting cybersecurity measures or coordinating with the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Office to prevent these “pay-for-sex” proposals from proliferating.

The Freeman tried to reach Maxim for further statement, but no response has been provided as of press time.

The resolution was filed last Thursday, October 19, 2023, and will be subject for approval in next week’s Cebu City Council regular session. (CEBU NEWS)