Grab, Uber told: Don’t deliver packages sans passengers

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has directed ridesharing companies Grab and Uber to stop transporting packages without passengers following reports of their services being used for illegal drug deliveries.

LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra said they have directed the two transport network companies (TNCs) to stop delivering packages without passengers as this is not covered by their franchises or certificates of public convenience (CPC).

The order was made following a meeting between the LTFRB, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Uber and Grab to address the issue.

The PDEA earlier this week bared that Grab and Uber services are being used by tech-savvy drug rings to deliver drugs right to the doorstep of their customers.

This was found following the arrest of drug suspect Jovit Atillano, who admitted he used the service at least three times a week for the delivery of drugs in the past year.

However, government officials admitted that they are in a bind over GrabExpress, the courier arm of Grab.

PDEA director general Aaron Aquino said they are not aware on who should regulate the services of GrabExpress, which is not under the jurisdiction of the LTFRB.

Still, he directed GrabExpress drivers to open the package in front of the sender or otherwise refuse to render service.

Package senders would also now be required to fill out forms and submit a photocopy of their identification cards to make sure that authorities can easily track down questionable packages.

Both Grab and Uber have expressed their commitment to cooperate with authorities in tracking down their riders who could be using the service in drug trafficking.