Metro Manila, Philippines – A number of ride hailing companies vowed to implement lower commission rates beginning Monday, April 20, heeding lawmakers pressuring them to carry out temporary relief from soaring fuel prices.
In a press statement on Friday, April 17, JoyRide said it is cutting commission rate from 20 percent to 18 percent for motorcycle taxis.
The company noted that it is already carrying out a lower commission fee at 10 percent, which, it said, is the industry lowest.
“This is not just about providing relief, it is about standing by our driver-partners when it matters most,” said Sherwin Yu, JoyRide president.
JoyRide said fees can go as low as 15 percent through a tiering system, where drivers with higher number of trips get a lower commission rate.
Angkas earlier announced a reduced rate, setting the fee at 18 percent beginning April 20.
“Wala pong kondisyon ‘yan. Kahit isang ride lang kayo sa isang buwan, makukuha niyo po ang komisyon na 18 percent,” said George Royeca, Angkas chief executive officer.
[Translation: There’s no condition. Even if you ride once a month, the 18 percent commission fee stays.]
Royeca added that up to zero commission for riders is still possible.
At a House briefing on Wednesday, April 15, Carlo Castro, head of public affairs for Angkas, told lawmakers that zero commission may apply should riders reach 25 trips.
Pressure from lawmakers
In a press briefing on April 17, Marikina 2nd district Rep. Quimbo, who chairs the House ways and means committee, warned ride-hailing firms that the House may be compelled to pass a law that would require companies to cut commission fees, should others fail to carry out such relief.
Quimbo expressed dissatisfaction with MoveIt and JoyRide, which, at the time of the briefing, had no more commission adjustments.
“Kung sa tingin nila ay titigilan sila, kung kailangan isabatas, isasabatas namin para mas babaan ang komisyon. So mas mabuti pa na gawin nila on their own, magpakita sila ng malasakit, it’s time to cut down on income so that everybody benefits from it,” he said.
[Translation: If they think that we will stop, then we will pass a law if needed to reduce the commission. So it would be better if they do it on their own, show some concern – it’s time to cut down on income so that everybody benefits from it.]
Earlier this week, lawmakers grilled the companies for supposedly not fulfilling its previous commitment to cut down rates.
NewsWatch Plus has reached out to MoveIt.
