THE House committee on transportation has recommended the suspension of Uber, GrabCars and similar transportation services until such time they have complied with government requirements.
The committee’s technical working group is pushing for the suspension of the Department of Transportation and Communications’ Department Order 2015-11 and the operation of the transportation network vehicles services (TNVS) and transportation network companies (TNCs).
The TWG chided the DoTC, and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board for allowing private vehicles to operate as taxis while suspending the issuance of taxi franchises.
DO 2015-01 also amended DO 97-1097 that set the standard classifications for public transport conveyances as the basis for the issuance of certificates of public convenience for public utility vehicles.
On the other hand, DO 2015-11 recognized new forms of transportation services, such as the TNCs including Uber, GrabCars and EasyCars, to promote mobility and modernize the transport services.
Last week’s TWG meeting with Batangas Rep. Raneo Abu presiding determined whether TNCs and TNVS were public utilities or not, and discussed their liability in case of accidents and their tax obligations.
Abu said during the TWG’s May 20, 2015 meeting, it was decided that the operation of Uber, GrabCars and other similar platforms be suspended until they had complied with the state regulation.
Pending compliance, Abu maintained such transport services were classified as “colorum.”
Abu challenged the Philippine National Police for not suspending the operations or Uber.
The Securities and Exchange Commission Corporate and Partnership Registration Division assistant director, Mary Anne Morales Lagura, told the TWG that Uber Philippines Inc. was registered only as a system developer.