‘Colorum’ Grab, Uber drivers get temporary reprieve
Drivers of transport network vehicle service (TNVS) applications such as Grab and Uber will be allowed to continue operating even without provisional authority and franchise pending a ruling on the appeal that would be filed before the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
“The filing of a motion for reconsideration technically holds in abeyance whatever order is in place because it is not yet final, because the other pleading has to be settled first,” LTFRB board member and spokesperson Aileen Lizada said yesterday.
She said transport network companies (TNCs) such as Grab, Uber and U-Hop have until July 26 to file an appeal on the July 11 order that directed them to deactivate all drivers without
provisional authority or franchise.
The announcement came after a meeting between representatives of the LTFRB and the TNCs in the presence of Senate committee on public services chair Sen. Grace Poe and vice chairman Sen. Joseph Victor Ejercito.
Grab Philippines country head Brian Cu said they will file their motion for reconsideration today.
“We thank the LTFRB for convening us to discuss the July 11 order. Grab is filing a motion for reconsideration (on Thursday) which will start the process for further discussion on resolving the issues on colorum drivers,” said Cu.
A separate statement from the office of Poe also confirmed that drivers with no provisional authority and franchise would be allowed to continue providing service pending the resolution of the appeal.
Poe said parties involved agreed to continue working together in order to find a win-win solution on the situation.
LTFRB drew flak from consumers after it ordered the deactivation of thousands of drivers without provisional authorities or franchises.
The order was expected to significantly affect the operations of the popular mode of transportation in Metro Manila and other urban areas in the country.
Following the announcement, finger pointing ensued, with the TNCs claiming that the lack of provisional authority was due to the failure of the LTFRB to process requests for extension and accept new applications.
Senate, House bills
Poe had filed Senate Bill 1501 that seeks to set clear and standard guidelines for the operation of TNCs as a new mode of public transport.
The bill provides for the procedures in acquiring permits from the LTFRB, which would be valid for two years from date of issue.
Provisions regarding the safety of passengers, an issue repeatedly raised against TNCs, were also included in the bill, including the posting of the photograph of the driver, license plate number, registration number and description of the vehicle through the service platform.
To ensure that TNCs remain true to their description as a ride-sharing service, the bill prohibits the TNCs from having their own fleet service.
The bill also specifies the powers of the LTFRB board with regard to the operation of TNCs.
Davao City Rep. Karlo Nograles and his brother Puwersa ng Bayaning Atleta party-list group Rep. Jericho Nograles filed a bill that would regulate and set standards and parameters for the operation of Uber and Grab.