MANILA, Philippines — Tens of thousands of commuters perhaps heaved a sigh of relief as the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) stayed its apprehension order against the ride-sharing services’ unregistered vehicles by allowing them to appeal their alleged “colorum” violations.
Sen. Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito, vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Services, said the LTFRB and the transportation network companies (TNC) had reached a compromise following a meeting among their representatives on Wednesday.
“After a brief meeting, the LTFRB said they will just wait for Grab and Uber to file for a Motion for Reconsideration, which in effect would legally suspend and extend the execution of LTFRB’s July 11 order,” Ejercito, who initiated the meeting, said in a statement.
The LTFRB order warned Grab and Uber that they would face apprehension and have the firms’ 50,000 unlicensed cars deactivated.
Sen. Grace Poe, the Senate committee chair, said the “LTFRB, Grab and Uber agreed to continue talks next week, in order to find a win-win solution.”
“Although the LTFRB will push through with executing their memorandum circular, they will allow the TNCs to file their motion for reconsideration and pending the resolution of the latter, will allow existing ‘colorum’ TNVS (transport network vehicle service) to continue providing service,” Poe said.
LTFRB, Grab and Uber agreed to continue talks next week, in order to find a win-win solution. pic.twitter.com/ucJGLGo1zU
— GRACE POE (@SenGracePOE) July 19, 2017
Grab on Wednesday said it would appeal LTFRB’s apprehension order.
“We thank the LTFRB for convening us this morning to discuss the July 11 order,” Cu said. “Grab is filing a motion for reconsideration tomorrow which will start the process for further discussion on resolving the issues on colorum drivers,” said Grab Philippines country head Brian Cu.
According to Cu, after the motion is filed, the “implementation of the July 11 order will be temporarily extended until the LTFRB and all the stakeholders have come to an agreement on the way forward for the TNVS.”
Poe said the LTFRB should be allowed “to do its job” and “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,” she added.
LTFRB should strike a balance between regulating TNVs & ensuring that public's need for safe, comfortable & reliable transportation is met. pic.twitter.com/hqZrJQ0i9h
— GRACE POE (@SenGracePOE) July 19, 2017
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