LTFRB can’t apprehend ‘colorum’ Grab, Uber drivers yet

The operations of ride-hailing companies managing Grab and Uber will continue while the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is deliberating the appeal of the private firms to reconsider the service ban.

This means the LTFRB cannot apprehend “colorum” Grab and Uber drivers yet even after July 26 while the LTFRB has no decision on the transport network companies (TNCs) appeal, both Senators Grace Poe and Jose Victor “JV” Ejercito assured on Wednesday.

“This will prolong (Grab and Uber operations). The LTFRB said they will not execute the ban while there is a motion for reconsideration from the companies,” Ejercito told reporters.

Poe and Ejercito, leaders of the Senate committee on public services, met with representatives from LTFRB and those from the TNCs.

Leo Gonzales, Grab’s public affairs department head, said Grab will file the appeal on Thursday.

Until then, Grab drivers are free to operate until the motion is pending before the LTFRB.

“There’s nothing to worry about sa ating mga pasahero at riders. Tuloy tuloy muna hangga’t maayos ang issue pero hindi natin alam hanggang kailan ‘yan,” Gonzales said.

The LTFRB has an existing order that it would begin apprehending “colorum” Grab and Uber drivers starting July 26.

The regulatory board can impose fines of up to P20,000 and impound the vehicle of drivers with expired or no permits.

In a statement after the meeting, Poe said both the LTFRB and ride-hailing firms will continue with the technical working group meeting “in order to find a win-win solution for both government and the TNCs.”

“Let us allow the LTFRB to do its job. They have to regulate common carriers to ensure accountability and to prevent the “dynamic pricing scheme” of TNVS from overcharging passengers during peak hours. On the other hand, government must be forward-looking. Ride-hailing services is now a necessity because these provide the comfort and reliability that many of our people look for in public transportation,” Poe said.

Poe also filed Senate Bill No. 1501 or Transportation Network Services Act seeking to institutionalize and regulate ride hailing services. – Julliane Love De Jesus, JE