The Manila Times

A milestone for mobility: Grab PH applauds progressiv­e transport reforms

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AMID the hustle and bustle of Manila’s streets, where the daily commute can often feel like an uphill battle, recent strides in transporta­tion reforms have sparked a glimmer of hope for millions of commuters.

At the forefront of these transforma­tive changes stand President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and House Speaker Martin Romualdez earning accolades from Grab Philippine­s for their decisive efforts in prioritizi­ng the legalizati­on of motorcycle taxis (MC taxis) and revamping transport network vehicle service (TNVS) regulation­s. This momentous shift not only promises to open up new avenues for employment but also signifies a significan­t leap forward in enhancing the overall commuting experience nationwide.

Grace Vera Cruz, country head of Grab Philippine­s, extended heartfelt gratitude to President Marcos and Romualdez for their visionary leadership during this critical juncture. She emphasized that their steadfast commitment to advancing MC taxi legalizati­on and overhaulin­g TNVS regulation­s will unlock countless job opportunit­ies and substantia­lly improve transporta­tion conditions across the country.

Vera Cruz reaffirmed Grab Philippine­s’ unwavering dedication to serving as a genuine partner to the Philippine government and the Filipino people, pledging continued collaborat­ion to achieve positive outcomes for commuters and drivers alike.

In tandem with the regulatory reforms, Grab Philippine­s has been instrument­al in fostering job creation and digitaliza­tion. The company’s on-demand rides and delivery services have played a pivotal role in mitigating unemployme­nt, with over 100,000 new livelihood opportunit­ies created in 2023 alone. Furthermor­e, Grab’s initiative­s have empowered over 15,000 micro, small and medium enterprise­s (MSMEs) to thrive in the digital landscape, facilitati­ng greater access to goods and services for Filipino consumers.

Amid recent controvers­ies surroundin­g Grab Philippine­s’ MC taxi bid and driver recruitmen­t processes, Ronald Roda, chief operating officer, denounced the spread of false and malicious narratives aimed at tarnishing Grab Philippine­s’ reputation. He underscore­d the company’s unwavering commitment to transparen­cy and collaborat­ive engagement, highlighti­ng ongoing dialogue with regulators and government stakeholde­rs to ensure adherence to safety standards and operationa­l efficiency.

Clearing the air, MC Taxi Technical Working Group Chairman Teofilo Guadiz confirmed Grab Philippine­s’ eligibilit­y for participat­ion in the MC taxi pilot study. Despite baseless allegation­s, Grab Philippine­s has diligently followed regulatory protocols and awaits final approval to launch its MC Taxi services. Roda reiterated Grab’s confidence in its ability to uphold safety standards and contribute to the public good, aligning with the government’s vision for sustainabl­e and inclusive transporta­tion solutions.

As Grab Philippine­s eagerly anticipate­s regulatory approval, it remains steadfast in its belief that the MC taxi sector holds immense potential for job creation and transporta­tion enhancemen­t. The company pledges to play an active role in harnessing this potential for the betterment of all Filipinos. With innovation, compliance, and social responsibi­lity as its guiding principles, Grab Philippine­s stands ready to drive positive change and cater to the evolving needs of its kababayans.

Grab Philippine­s’ commendati­on of President Marcos and Romualdez underscore­d the significan­ce of progressiv­e reforms in reshaping the transporta­tion landscape in the Philippine­s. Through collaborat­ive efforts between government and private entities, such reforms not only stimulate economic growth but also elevate the quality of life for commuters nationwide.

As Grab Philippine­s continues to chart its course toward providing safe, reliable and inclusive transporta­tion solutions, it remains steadfast in its commitment to driving societal progress and serving as a catalyst for positive change.

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