Grab Philippines vows to cooperate with competition watchdog

MANILA, Philippines — As the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) opens a review of Uber's sale of its Southeast Asia operations, Grab Philippines vowed to share documents in aid of the investigation.

Earlier this week, the anti-monopoly agency announced that it will look into the "far-reaching impact" of Grab's acquisition of Uber.

Grab Philippines said that they have been notified of the motu propio review through e-mail on Tuesday.

"The PCC can expect Grab's cooperation in this Motu Propio review. We will prepare the necessary documents and share information required by the PCC, and will closely work with the Commission to address whatever questions and clarifications they may have," Grab Philippines Public Affairs Head Leo Gonzales said in a statement.

The ride-sharing service added that they are willing to collaborate with the government and regulatory bodies to ensure that they fairly address the issues.

Grab Philippines admitted that they expected the review on the Uber acquisition deal as the PCC is mandated to implement the national competition policy.

"Meanwhile, as PCC conducts its review, Grab will continue to put our utmost support to ensure full transition of accredited Uber drivers onto our platform," Gonzales said.

The ride-sharing service assured its driver-partners that they will do their best to minimize any disruption of services.

"To our consumers, we are continuously improving our services to meet your daily transportation needs and we will always adhere to the regulatory guidelines on pricing," Grab Philippines said.

The quasi-judicial body's review of Grab's acquisition of Uber would look into whether the deal would result in price increases, deterioration of ride-sharing services and fewer options for passengers.

"Should anti-competitive concerns arise out of the transaction review, the parties may propose commitments to remedy, mitigate, or prevent the negative effects to competition in the market after the acquisition," the PCC said.

Uber Philippines said that its service would continue to be accessible until April 8. Uber's exit from the country leaves Grab with a virtual monopoly of the market.

However, the deal between Grab and Uber would not be finalized without PCC approval if the transaction is notifiable — or above the P2-billion threshold.