Abaya orders LTFRB: Work with Uber

MANILA, Philippines - Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya has asked the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to work together with online cab provider Uber.

In a statement issued yesterday, Abaya said transportation regulations should facilitate convenient, safe, and reliable services to the public, not hamper them. 

The LTFRB recently apprehended an affiliate vehicle of Uber for colorum operations.

“I have asked the LTFRB to reach out to Uber and seek ways to modernize our transportation rules. While the LTFRB was only doing its job in implementing the law, we also have a duty to push for modern solutions to archaic problems,” Abaya said.

The DOTC is the mother agency of the LTFRB.

 “I view our role in the DOTC as one that is supportive of new approaches to addressing transportation inadequacies. Regulations must keep up with fast-paced technological innovations, and one way to do that is to amend antiquated laws or policies that may no longer be responsive to today’s needs,” Abaya said.

He said he and LTFRB officials would meet with Uber officers soon to modernize the government’s regulatory function over vehicles for public use, in such a way that innovative solutions are allowed to flourish without sacrificing safety and security.

“We welcome the solutions made possible by technology in helping us meet the public’s needs. At the same time, we recognize the LTFRB for sticking to the law and performing its duties without fear or favor. Now, government must work together with innovators from the tech industry for the benefit of the people. Hopefully, we can integrate these solutions into the DOTC’s taxi reform program,” he said.

Abaya assured information technology developers that the DOTC would continue to support technology-based solutions for transportation. – With Lawrence Agcaoili