Biazon to LTFRB: Resolve Grab ‘illegal’ charges

A member of the House committee on transportation yesterday called on the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to quickly resolve the issue on the per-minute charge being imposed by the ride-hailing service company Grab Philippines.

“As a transport network service user, I have heard the sentiments of drivers who say that their incomes have been adversely affected by the suspension of the per-minute charge.

They talk about the time spent in traffic to get to a destination and the rising costs of fuel,” Muntinlupa City Rep. Ruffy Biazon said in statement.

“Some have even told me about other drivers they know who have chosen to stop driving because it is no longer profitable. Others who continue to drive are forced to stay on the road for longer periods of time just to earn a profit,” he added.

Biazon’s appeal came following an order from the LTFRB, penalizing the Grab with a P10-million fine for allegations of charging illegal fares.

The lawmaker warned that if the number of transport network vehicle service drivers continues to decline due to unprofitable conditions, it could result in a shortage of vehicles catering to the commuting public whose choice of transportation are the ride-sharing services.

“It would be a reverse of the benefits that the public has been getting from this innovative solution to public transportation problems,” Biazon said.

“While I agree that there should be some form of government regulation for public services such as transportation, government must also be conscious not to strangle innovative and effective solutions that the public is willing to avail of at a premium,” he added.