FILE: A passenger tries to book a ride using an Uber app
MANILA, Philippines — Uber rider, Janine used to be able to book an Uber ride within five minutes.
But after the Grab-Uber acquisition deal, booking a ride has been difficult, especially last Monday when Uber was scheduled to cease operations.
“Actually, mas preferred kong mag-Uber pero kasi sobrang hirap mag-book ngayon kaya nag-Grab ako kahit mahal,” said the Uber rider.
(Actually, I prefer taking Uber but booking has been really difficult lately so I went with Grab even though it’s more expensive.)
But according to the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC), Uber must continue their operation until they finish their motu propio investigation over the said deal.
This includes maintaining the mobile app operational, providing service for partner drivers and riders and giving cash incentives and other benefits.
PCC said that they can issue a resolution in the investigation not more than 195 days.
If Grab and Uber will violate the conditions, they may face fines not exceeding P2 million every day until they comply with the PCC conditions.
“Ultimately, kung malaman po namin na hindi sila compliant one possibility po is they will be cited in contempt at meron pong fines, there are daily fines,” said PCC Commissioner Stella Quimbo.
(Ultimately, if we find out that they are not compliant, one possibility is, they will be cited in contempt and charged with fines. There are daily fines.)
But according to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), passenger safety is at risk if Uber will continue their operations.
“Kung may mga road crashes po, may nga complaint, sino ang sasagot sa side ng Uber? Sino ang aming i-summon if ever mayroon pa kaming hearing,” said LTFRB board member Atty. Aileen Lizada.
(In case of road crashes and complaints, who will answer for Uber? Who will we summon if ever we have another hearing?)
The Uber office is already occupied by Grab employees.
Uber said they don’t have the capacity to operate in the Philippines beyond their April 8 deadline because they don’t have any more employees in their satellite offices.
Grab stands firm that the acquisition deal will continue as the deal was perfected outside the country.
Currently, Grab supports the funding of the Uber app to comply with the PCC’s order, but insisted that they will not be liable if something happens to an Uber passenger.
“We are funding the app, meaning naka-on yung systems nila (it means their systems are on. We’re paying for these systems being on but not the manpower behind it,” said Grab PH country head Brian Cu.
To maintain healthy competition, Grab encouraged LTFRB to immediately approve the pending application of four transport network companies (TNCs) to operate in the country. — Mon Jocson | UNTV News & Rescue
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