The congressional committee on Metro Manila Development (MMD) has recommended the suspension of Grab/Move It from its participation in the ongoing pilot test program for motorcycle taxis.
This is pending its compliance to the penalty imposed on Grab by the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) and from the various complaints filed by several stakeholders to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
Rep. Joel Chua, committee member of MMD, during Tuesday’s hearing, pointed out that based on various testimonies before the panel, Grab/ Move It is “consistently violating” and “at worst disregarding various guidelines” of the government’s regulatory agencies.
“In lieu of our oversight function, I move for this committee to initiate our collective action… to suspend Grab/Move it from its participation to the on-going pilot test pending its compliance to the penalty imposed by PCC and from the various complaints filed by several stakeholders to LTFRB among others,” Chua said.
Grab has yet to respond to queries on the issue as of posting time.
“From PCC violation with imposed penalty…to LTFRB on-going inquiry on unjust fare hike and other complaints from commuting public… and right before this committee, the latest display of Grab to disregard our invitation and choose not to participate in this hearing without any valid reason,” Chua added.
Chua said that during the committee discussion in their last hearing, they learned that Grab has a pending compliance case in relation to the penalty imposed by the PCC.
Chua asked the PCC to inform the MMD if ‘how much is the balance due from Grab to pay back our riding public? Is there any sanction for Grab for non-compliance to pay the full amount?”
During that hearing, Chua requested Grab to submit before the MMD relevant documents pertaining to their acquisition of Move It, but the request was ignored and even snubbed the committee’s invitation to attend Tuesday’s hearing, he said.
Chua accused the giant ride-hailing firm of being a “monopoly” and of “flaunting its arrogance. Taking the citizens hostage with its exorbitant and questionable fares, only because they’ve circumvented and circled around government agencies.”
The LTFRB is also conducting their own investigation on various complaints filed by several stakeholders on alleged abuses by Grab due to its unjust fare hike.
Chua also requested the LTFRB to update them the result of their inquiry on alleged violations of Grab/Move It “so that we can inform the riding public if they can have a Christmas rush relief.”
“There is an on-going pilot testing project on motorcycle taxis sanctioned by the government that includes only Angkas, Joy Ride and Move It. To be included in the program, Grab bought Move It without informing the program’s stakeholders, thereby putting the project in jeopardy,” Chua also said.