LTFRB: Former board lenient with Uber, Grab

MANILA, Philippines - Former officials of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) may have been lenient in their treatment of transport network companies (TNCs) Uber and Grab, which are now facing problems because of their colorum vehicles.

“Maybe they have been lenient or not that strict in enforcement,” LTFRB board member and spokesperson Aileen Lizada said in an interview over dzBB.

It was during the time of former LTFRB head Winston Gines where Uber and Grab started their ride-sharing services.

Lizada said when they took over, there were no master lists from Uber and Grab of active drivers that were submitted to the LTFRB.

Officials from the two TNCs told them earlier they have around 28,000 transport network vehicle services (TNVs) drivers each. However, the LTFRB later learned that majority are operating without certificates of public convenience or provisional authorities.

Also, Lizada said they were informed by Uber and Grab the numbers they disclosed are fluid as there are drivers who use both service applications.

“These are what they call dual citizens,” said Lizada.

The LTFRB earlier imposed a P5-million fine on both TNCs for allowing the operation of more than 50,000 colorum drivers. The board also ordered the removal of colorum vehicles by July 26.

The implementation of the order against colorum drivers was put on hold after Uber and Grab filed their respective motions for reconsideration on Friday.

Lizada asked for patience from the affected TNV drivers who felt the LTFRB did not act on their applications.

“We are not slow. It just that the folders which were submitted have incomplete documents so how can process them?” Lizada explained. The LTFRB dismissed around 15,000 applications last year.

The LTFRB will hold another technical working group meeting with Grab this Wednesday, July 26, to thresh out issues.