LTFRB rejects 15,000 Uber, Grab applications

MANILA, Philippines – The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Thursday, January 5, said it dismissed nearly half of franchise applications – over 15,000 out of some 32,000 – for ride-hailing services Grab and Uber.

Applicants submitted incomplete requirements or did not appear at hearings, GMA News reported.

LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra, in a dialogue with transportation network vehicle service (TNVS) operators in Quezon City, said the dismissed cases would be uploaded to the LTFRB website, “hopefully next week.”

The dialogue between the LTFRB and TNVS operators revolved around Memorandum Circular 2016-008, which directed the LTFRB’s technical division and regional offices not to accept any applications for TNVS – particularly those of Uber, GrabCar, and Uhop – proposing to ply the route within Metro Manila or entering Metro Manila. (READ: LTFRB suspends processing of new Uber, Grab, Uhop applications)

TNVS operators had asked about when the LTFRB planned to lift the suspension for new applicants.

Delgra said: “There is no target date yet when the suspension will be lifted. But when that happens, changes will have to be made.”

LTFRB board member Aileen Lizada added that they are waiting for position papers from Uber and Grab on accountability. 

BM Lizada: we directed @grabph and @Uber_PH to submit position papers on accountability. #TNVSConsultation

— Official LTFRB (@LTFRB) January 5, 2017

 

Delgra added a franchise was needed “if you are providing public service.” 

CHM Delgra: you have to get a franchise if you are providing public service. #TNVSConsultation

— Official LTFRB (@LTFRB) January 5, 2017

 

Grab and Uber have until Friday, January 6, to submit their position papers. 

Provisional authority to operate

TNVS operators also asked about the LTFRB’s 45-day provisional authority (PA) permissions to operate as part of the TNVS, wondering if these could be renewed while the LTFRB deliberates on their franchise application.

Delgra said operators “can renew or extend PA” until the application receives its final decision. 

CHM Delgra: you can renew or extend PA until such time until application is decided. #TNVSConsultation

— Official LTFRB (@LTFRB) January 5, 2017

 

Operating public land transport without the PA or the certificate of public convenience is considered illegal or colorum. 

CHM Delgra: walang PA/CPC, colorum. #TNVSConsultation

— Official LTFRB (@LTFRB) January 5, 2017

 

Delgra also said there are only 2,800 registered TNVS in the LTFRB, while 1,500 have PAs. – Rappler.com