Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 10) — Uber Philippines tells patrons and drivers it is business as usual, even as the transport network company’s accreditation expires on August 19.
“We know that you depend on Uber for your additional source of income or even your full-time income and we will not let you down,” said Laurence Cua, Uber Philippines General Manager told CNN Philippines Monday.
Under Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Memorandum Circular 2015-015, a transport network company (TNC) must first obtain LTFRB accreditation, valid for two years, before being allowed to operate.
Around 7,000 Uber drivers might lose their jobs if the LTFRB will not renew the TNC’s accreditation.
Cua said they will submit all the requirements for the renewal of its accreditation within the week.
Meanwhile, the accreditation of Grab, which has roughly 10,000 drivers and operators, expired on July 3.
Transport authorities said Grab drivers who don’t have a 45-day provisional authority (PA), a renewable document that allows drivers to accept fares until they are issued a franchise, will have to pay a fine of up to ₱120,000 if caught.
But Grab Government Communications Manager Fiona Nicolas said it was also business as usual for their company.
“Sinabi ni (LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra III) na wala naman pong order ang LTFRB para huminto tayo sa operations natin, so magtrabaho lang po tayo ng tama at sumunod sa batas trapiko,” Nicolas told CNN Philippines Friday.
[Translation: LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra III said LTFRB has not ordered us to halt our operations so we will continue to do our work, and follow traffic rules.]
Read more: Grab, Uber future uncertain: LTFRB sets accreditation hearing
Both TNCs are appealing to transport regulators to renew their accreditation since they are part of solving the country’s traffic woes.
The LTFRB is set to deliberate on Uber and Grab’s accreditations Tuesday.
