Group backs House probe on Uber, Grab

MANILA, Philippines - A commuters’ group yesterday expressed its support for the proposed House of Representatives inquiry into the operations of transport network companies (TNCs) Uber and Grab.

The Lawyers for Commuters Safety and Protection welcomed House Resolution No. 573, seeking to review the accreditation given by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to Uber and Grab.

The group, headed by former LTFRB board member Ariel Inton, said the agency should regulate the operations of TNCs for the benefit of the riding public.

Inton said the LTFRB should extend the provisional authority issued to transport network vehicle service (TNVS) while the moratorium on new applications remains in effect.

“Congress should act swiftly in order to address the problem of colorum among TNVS providers,” he said.

The group made the appeal amid complaints of harassment allegedly committed by Uber and Grab drivers.

Inton cited the harassment of a 20-year-old daughter of Environment Assistant Secretary Rommel Abesamis by an Uber driver known only as Juanito during a ride in Quezon City on Nov. 4.