Grab urged to comply with refund order

MANILA, Philippines — Progressive women’s group Gabriela has called out ride-hailing app Grab Philippines for allegedly repeatedly disregarding compliance with the government’s 2019 refund order.

As of April 2022, Grab has refunded only 73.80 percent of the P25.45 million the company owes its customers.

“It is unacceptable that the full amount has not been refunded yet. Of course, it’s impossible that Grab is not earning money for the exorbitant fees they have been collecting from passengers,” Gabriela party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas said. The additional P9 million in fines imposed by the Philippine Competition Commission should not have surprised Grab given its history of non-compliance, Brosas said.

“Grab’s continued non-compliance is a cause for concern, especially since it currently holds up to 95 percent of the local market,” she said. Brosas proposed “more stringent measures be imposed against Grab” as it retains its dominant position in the transport network vehicle service market. “A private corporation such as Grab Philippines can easily raise its prices by taking advantage of the lack of reliable and safe transportation options,” she said.

“Hopefully, this will serve as a wake-up call for the government to prioritize the needs of the people,” Brosas added.