A RESOLUTION at the House of Representatives calls for an investigation into alleged improper implementation of senior citizen and persons with disabilities (PWD) discounts by Grab and other ride-hailing service providers, as well as food delivery companies.
Senior Citizens party-list Rep. Rodolfo Ordanes filed Resolution 2134 seeking legislative inquiry into allegations that Grab and other Transportation Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) operators made their drivers shoulder the 20-percent discount for senior citizens, PWDs, and students.
According to Ordanes, such practices were a clear violation of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) policies.
“This conduct by ride-hailing and food delivery applications is utterly deplorable, as it constitutes criminal and exploitative behavior,” Ordanes said, adding that these companies must be sanctioned if found guilty.
During a hearing of the House Committee on Public Services, Grab’s head of public affairs Gregorio Ramon Tingson confirmed that their drivers shoulder the 20-percent discount given to persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and students.
Tingson adverted to LTFB Circular 2018-004 which allegedly allowed the setup.
Teofilo Guadiz, LTFRB chairperson, rebutted Tingson’s claim, stating that under their franchise, the Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) should shoulder the 20-percent discount.
Guadiz said the LTFRB will conduct an investigation by getting statements from Grab drivers and an explanation from Grab regarding this practice. If the alleged violations were confirmed, Grab’s franchise could be cancelled, he said.
“May I request a statement from the driver, and we will give them a show cause, and if the evidence warrants, we will issue an appropriate suspension of their franchise,” Guadiz said.
