Atchalian wants N in check

Valenzuela City Representative Sherwin T. Gatchalian sought yesterday the regulation of so-called transportation network vehicle service (TNVS) such as Uber and Grab Taxi to level the playing field in the transportation industry and ensure safety of the commuting public.

Gatchalian, a candidate for senator, made the proposal after the Department of Transportation and Communications’ (DOTC) order modernizing and improving transportation services faced heavy opposition since its promulgation.

Department Order No. 2005-011 (DO No. 15-011) intends to tap the innovative use of technology to facilitate ride-sharing services between a transportation network driver and a passenger and provides the guidelines for the selection and accreditation of drivers.

The order also allows transportation network companies to operate in the Philippines and facilitate transactions between a transportation network driver and a passenger.

Gatchalian filed House Bill 6160 to address complaints lodged by taxi operators that the department order offers unfair competition in favor of transportation network companies (TNCs) and TNVS because they are not subject to the same regulation as that of taxis.

He also noted some congressmen also expressed their reservation, citing issues on liability and tax collection.

“The bill seeks to address these questions by defining the nature of TNCs and TNVS. TNCs are classified as public utility vehicles and sets the contract of carriage from the time a passenger makes a prearranged ride with the TNC and ends when the passenger arrives at his/her destination,” Gatchalian said.

The measure also requires TNCs to “disclose their fare calculation method” in their application service or website as well as provide a picture of the driver and the vehicle's plate number.