Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 25) — In a House probe on Transport Network Companies (TNC) on Tuesday, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said the order banning the operation of unaccredited units will not take effect on July 26.
This is after Grab and Uber filed their motions for reconsideration on July 20, which means units without Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) and with pending applications can still serve the public.
The LTFRB also vowed there will be no apprehensions with the measure.
However, LTFRB chair Martin Delgra appealed to the public to stop investing on vehicles for TNCs until the agency is able to sort out the issue.
Grab then clarified they have stopped accepting applications from car operators in compliance with the LTFRB order.
Proposed policies
Since the probe is in aid of legislation, lawmakers are also trying to figure out policies that will help streamline both TNCs and transport regulators operations.
Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo Teves Jr., proposed to issue a single franchise to TNCs, instead of issuing individual CPCs to every operator-partner.
“Instead of talking to all drivers, you just talk to one or the mother company or anything happening should be shouldered by the company,” Teves said, “Kung kumikita ka, may responsibilidad ka rin. Uber Grab, ganun, kung may liability sila mananagot.”
[Translation: If you are earning, then you also have a responsibility. This applies to Uber and Grab, you should answer to your liability.]
Teves said there are two ways to make this proposal possible-either the LTFRB issues a Department Order changing their setup of franchise issuance to TNCs, or Congress passes a law authorizing this.
However, Grab Philippines head Brian Cu said they are yet to study the proposed measure.
“I will have to study that with the team. It’s very hard to comment now because I don’t see the benefits and the drawbacks yet,” Cu said.
In the current system, LTFRB issues CPCs to each unit of Grab and Uber.
Delgra said they will work on the Department Order, as the agency may be able to pass the measure within the year.
He repeatedly emphasized they are supportive of new technologies like Grab and Uber, saying what the government is doing is to ensure the safety and welfare of the commuting public.
Earlier, Senate Committee on Public Service chair Grace Poe acknowledged the issues hounding government regulators and pledged to file a bill in the Senate to address this.
