MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) approved on Wednesday, April 18, the accreditation of two ride-hailing companies.

LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra III and Board Members Aileen Lizada and Ronaldo Corpus signed Accreditation Numbers 2018-TNC-001 and 2018-TNC-002, allowing Hype Transport Systems Incorporated and Hirna Mobility Solutions to operate for two years.

ANOTHER TNC HERE: Hirna Mobility Solutions Inc was also granted a 2-year TNC accreditation by the LTFRB today, April 18. It’s a TNC for taxis currently in Davao but is looking at expanding across the Philippines. @rapplerdotcom pic.twitter.com/y7a30hsZBU

— Aika Rey (@reyaika) April 18, 2018

Lizada said the ride-hailing companies can begin operations once they receive their accreditation papers, giving commuters other options for ride-hailing services aside from Grab Philippines.

Hype is among the ride-hailing companies that the LTFRB was expecting to apply for accreditation, after Uber sold its Southeast Asia operations to Grab. Uber formally closed down last Monday, April 16.

Hirna is a ride-hailing app for taxis currently available in Davao, but is looking at expanding across the country.

The other companies waiting for approval are Owto, Go Lag, and MiCab. – Rappler.com