Lift suspension of P2 per minute charge – Grab

MANILA — Ridesharing company Grab Philippines has asked transport regulators to allow the reimposition of its P2 per minute charge.

In a petition, Grab told the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board or LTFRB, that the suspension of the travel time charge was "an infringement of the equal protection clause guaranteed by the Philippine Constitution."

According to Grab, "almost all" of the recently accredited transportation network companies impose per minute charges based on their proposed fare structures.

"Therefore, it would be the height of injustices if other TNCs are allowed to impose per minute charges and petitioner is the only one that is precluded from doing so," the ride-hailing firm argued.

The LTFRB, in an order last April 18, directed Grab to immediately suspend the collection of travel time charge pending the "extensive review and resolution" of its legality, which was challenged by a lawmaker.

The LTFRB's move came after Grab bought Uber's ridesharing and food delivery business in Southeast Asia, the industry's biggest acquisition in the region.

Grab later appealed the decision, saying the order "would cause grave or irreparable damage" not only to Grab but also to the operators and drivers of other transport network vehicles.