Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 11) — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Wednesday said it is aiming to decide on the surge fee issue of Grab Philippines before the month ends after the company asked authorities for more time to gather and submit pertinent data.
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“The board committed to resolve the case as soon as the two hearings will be finalized. Hopefully before the end of January a resolution will be issued by the board,” LTFRB Technical Division Head Joel Bolano told CNN Philippines’ New Day.
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During Tuesday’s hearing, the ride-hailing company requested the LTFRB to give it more time to gather more data to be able to clarify the issues related to its pricing mechanisms. The LTFRB granted the request, with the next hearing set on Jan. 12.
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“The board required Grab to present more additional data to help the board understand the complaint, to help the board decide on the complaint,” Bolano said.
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Bolano also said authorities hope to be presented with all additional information by then.
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“They have to present that to the board then after that another hearing, then the board will now give the right solution after these two hearings,” he added.
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The postponement of the hearing was criticized by Ariel Inton, head of Lawyers for Commuters Safety and Protection.
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“Kaya nga tayo ng nag-set ng hearing, sila ang humingi nun para ipresenta nila ‘yung kanilang basehan ng fare surge, but they weren’t ready,” he said. “They are prolonging it, tapos na nga ‘yung Pasko. We are now looking at Valentine’s Day (to finish this).”
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[Translation: The reason why we set a hearing is because they asked for it to be able to present their basis for the fare surge, but they weren’t ready. They are prolonging it, Christmas has ended. We are now looking at Valentine’s Day to finish this.]
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