The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board disclosed that transport network vehicle service Grab failed to attend a hearing the agency set regarding the regarding the ride-hailing firm's controversial surge fee.

To recall, the LTFRB sent an invitation to Grab after receiving complaints from commuters who were allegedly being charged with surge fees even in ordinary hours, which is supposed to be applied only during rush hours.

The ride-hailing firm was asked by the LTFRB to explain the alleged surge fees, but its representatives were a no-show to the scheduled hearing on Tuesday.

The LTFRB assured the complainants and commuters that they would diligently look into the issue and immediately come up with a solution to protect the riding public, which are already overburdened by the high cost of basic commodities.

Atty. Ariel Inton, president of Lawyers for Commuters Safety and Protection also appealed for the immediate action of the LTFRB against the abuses of Grab, especially this holiday season, as ridership increases.

Inton also questioned Grab's "automatic" fare increase to P85 even if it's only for a short trip.

"The LTFRB must subpoena Grab to clarify how they came up with an P85 fare on a short trip, which is not authorized by the LTFRB," Inton said.

He also appealed to the riding public to immediately report to the LTFRB if they have complaints regarding the services of the ride-hailing firm.