MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) summoned the officials of transport network vehicle services (TNVS) for a meeting.
During the meeting, the government agencies and officials of the TNVS discuss the creation of policies to prevent those involved in illegal drug trading to use the services of the TNVS.
This came following authorities’ discovery that some TNVS driver had been involved in several illegal activities, like the delivery of illegal drugs.
It can be recalled that TNVS units were also used in the delivery of a bomb that exploded in Quiapo Manila, and personal belongings of hazing victim Horacio Castillo III.
Such incidents prompted the LTFRB to prohibit the delivery of packages through TNVS.
The agency explained that the franchise of the TNVS companies does not even cover the delivery of packages.
“The franchise issued by the LTFRB is only for passenger service. When TNVS companies use it delivering packages, they would go far from the terms and conditions given by the LTFRB,” LTFRB chairman Atty. Martin Delgra III said.
He added that the agency has no jurisdiction over the regulation of courier services of transport network companies.
PDEA, meanwhile, insists that all packages or baggage being delivered through courier services of Uber and Grab should be opened and checked.
The agency noted that if the owner refuses to have his package checked, the driver can cancell the particular transaction.
“From now on, we should agree to check or open all packages they would deliver so we could know its real contents. The sender should be required to fill up a form, and present identification. It should also be photocopied so driver should also have his own copy,” PDEA Dir. Gen. Aron Aquino said.
Uber and Grab, meanwhile, assured the government that they will not rate negatively their partner-drivers for doing so.
“We will find a mechanism, a process by which itong mga (these) drivers natin ay hindi mapenalized (will not be penalized) just because tumanggi (they refused)” Grab PH public affairs manager Leo Gonzales said.
“On the part of Uber we will support our driver’s right to say no to bringing packages because Uber services here are for passengers only,” Uber PH legal counsel Atty. Yves Gonzales said. – Joan Nano | UNTV News & Rescue
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