LTFRB, Uber agree to discuss ‘colorum’ issue

MANILA, Philippines - The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and the management of technology application Uber have agreed to sit down and discuss the issue involving the lack of franchise of the latter’s partner drivers.

In a phone interview with The STAR, LTFRB executive director Roberto Cabrera urged the people behind Uber to “sit down and talk” with them to clarify the issue involving the popular car service application.

Cabrera issued the statement amid an online uproar against the LTFRB on Thursday after it apprehended a partner driver of Uber for a colorum violation.

The vehicle was impounded by the Land Transportation Office, while the owner of the vehicle faces a fine of P200,000, according to Joint Administrative Order 2014-01.

Under the order, vehicles without franchises that provide services to the public are considered colorum and could face penalties as high as P200,000.

Uber communications head for South Asia Karun Arya told The STAR over e-mail that they are open to the LTFRB suggestion to sit down and discuss the matter.

In a separate statement, Uber regional manager for Southeast Asia and Australia Mike Brown expressed disappointment for the Philippine government’s action against the technology service “that is better for riders, drivers and the community.”

He said Uber has been embraced in 222 cities in 45 countries.

“Around the world, Uber is working with governments to achieve common goals, focused on safe, reliable and efficient transportation options, that are regulated,” said the Uber official.

Cabrera, however, said unless a new law or policy is passed, the existing laws will always be the governing rules that should be implemented.

The LTFRB earlier said that Uber partner drivers are not exempted from the rule requiring franchises for car rental services.

Meanwhile, LTFRB chairman Winston Ginez yesterday said the agency respects the decision of the Metro Manila Development Authority, which expressed support for Uber.

 “We stick to the issue that Uber has violated the law on anti-colorum,” said Ginez.

“LTFRB has the sole authority to issue franchises to public land transportation and Uber is mere an app that is being used by private vehicles to offer their vehicles for public use,” he added.