Palace backs LTFRB decision on Uber

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Tuesday expressed support for the decision of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to suspend the operations of ride-sharing company Uber Systems Inc. for a month.

Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said that Malacañang affirms the services offered by transport network companies but noted that Uber "unduly challenged" the rules and instructions of the LTFRB.

"However, regarding the Uber matter, we said we do empathize with the traveling public. It affects everyone including us at times," Abella said in a press briefing.

Abella also urged LTFRB and Uber to address the issue as soon as possible.

Sen. Grace Poe criticized the LTFRB decision, which she considers "cruel and absurd" as it affects about 200,000 riders a day.

Poe, chair of the Senate Committee on Public Services said that the LTFRB should have been innovative in coming up with an appropriate penalty for Uber.

"I am aghast that this agency that committed before the Senate to resolve the issues has just imposed a cure that will only make the disease much worse," Poe said in a statement.

Abella, on the other hand, reiterated that Malacañang understands the situation and will support the decision of the LTFRB.

"I suppose Ms. Poe’s comment has its own merit. However, we do need to understand that the one in charge is LTFRB and we go by that," Abella said.

Meanwhile, Uber has resumed its operations after filing a motion for reconsideration against its one-month suspension.

“We’ve filed a motion for reconsideration with the LTFRB (Land Transportation Franchise and Regulatory Board) and will be resuming and continuing operations until the motion is resolved,” Uber said on its Twitter account.