The Grab Bike driver entering the LTFRB Office compound
QUEZON CITY, Philippines — Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chairman Winston Ginez himself booked a ride for the agency’s entrapment operation against Grab Bike.
After a few minutes, the driver arrived at the LTFRB office. He looked nervous when he was welcomed by an LTFRB official at the gate.
The Grab Bike driver named Mon Carlo Gaya was not able to escape. He insisted that they do not accept payment from commuters but only offer free rides.
“Free ride lang po, ang colorum kasi tumatanggap ng pera po, wala po kami tinatanggap na pera,” the Grab Bike driver said.
(We only offer free rides. Those who accept cash are the unregistered ones. We don’t accept cash.)
Chairman Ginez wants to gather information regarding the Grab Bike operation because they can’t get any clear answers from the lawyers of the app-based transport service.
LTFRB Chairman Ginez said, “Here, very clearly, may economic benefit dahil unang una binabayaran nga nila yung driver di ba? Bakit nila binabayaran? Kasi gusto nila magkaroon ng mas maraming Grab Bike at lumago ang kanilang negosyo.”
(There is clearly an economic benefit, because drivers are paid. Why are they paid? Because they want to promote Grab Bike for their business.)
LTFRB issued a cease and desist order to Grab Bike because it is not approved by the board.
But despite this, Grab Bike operation continued even if it is considered as colorum.
“Aside from compliance sa regulation is yung safety ng ating mga kababayan, nakita nyo na manang ginamit scooter, paano mo itatakbo yan sa EDSA sa sasabay sa napakaraming sa sakyan.”
(Aside from compliance of the regulation, we are concerned about the safety of the commuters. As we can see, he only uses a scooter. How can it run on EDSA along with many vehicles?)
The motorcycle will be impounded for three months while the driver will undergo a series of hearing on his case.
If proven guilty, he will be fined six thousand pesos based on the joint administrative order of the Department of Transportation and Communications.
LTFRB says, this will also be a ground for the cancellation of the license of grab to operate.
Grab also launched Grab Jeep, but it is also considered a colorum because it has not been given a franchise.
The driver’s case is set for a hearing next week.
As of now, Grab Philippines has not yet issued any statement on the matter. (MON JOCSON / UNTV News)
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