Uber resumes operations until motion for reconsideration resolved

MANILA, Philippines — After filing a motion for reconsideration against its one-month suspension, ride-sharing company, Uber Systems Inc., on Tuesday said it will resume operations until the motion is resolved.

“We’ve filed a motion for reconsideration with the LTFRB (Land Transportation Franchise and Regulatory Board) and will be resuming and continuing operations until the motion is resolved,” Uber said on its Twitter account.

The transport network company filed the motion for reconsideration to stop the implementation of its one-month suspension.

“USI hereby moves for reconsideration and stay of the implementation of the Assailed Order based on the blatant violation of USI's right to due process and the absence of any cogent or convincing proof that USI willfully violated the ordered dated July 26 2016 issued by this honorable board,” the motion for reconsideration read.

We’ve filed a motion for reconsideration with the LTFRB and will be resuming and continuing operations until the motion is resolved. pic.twitter.com/CNqXc9cjhw

— Uber Philippines (@Uber_PH) August 15, 2017

On Monday, the LTFRB ordered the suspension of Uber's accreditation for a month. The board also directed suspension of its online booking application on the same period.

LTFRB also said Uber shall be hold responsible “for all its accredited ‘colorum’ TNVS apprehended during the period of suspension should it be discovered that they are accepting passengers using their mobile application.”

After receiving the order on Monday evening, Uber on Tuesday morning announced that it is temporarily suspending its operations. Uber said this is in compliance with the LTFRB’s August 14 order.

Netizens have posted screenshots of Uber mobile app showing the ride-sharing service is no longer available. However, after the TNC filed its motion for reconsideration, it resumed its service to the public.

Uber No Longer Available just FOR NOW and will be serving again soon :) #UberPH pic.twitter.com/m8f6lhzji8

— WinJane  (@winjaneescuro) August 14, 2017

According to the LTFRB's 2011 revised rules of practice and procedures, resolutions on the motion will only be released upon termination of the proceedings, deliberation and consultation of the Board en banc. The regional director shall render or issue resolution.

LTFRB board member Aileen Lizada said the board has yet to decide whether Uber's motion for reconsideration is denied or approved.

Lizada also warned that if Uber remains to be online, they will be apprehended by the Metro Manila Development Authority and the Highway Patrol Group of the Philippine National Police.  

In July, the LTFRB ordered ride-sharing companies Uber and Grab to stop the operations of transport network vehicle services drivers, who do not have the required certificates of public convenience or provisional authorities that grant them franchises to operate.

The board said the directive would be effective on July 26.

However, this directive earned negative criticisms from both drivers and the riding public.

Both Uber and Grab earlier admitted they continued accepting drivers into their platforms despite the LTFRB’s directives.