MANILA, Philippines – The government told ride-hailing firm Grab to explain its plan to deactivate at least 8,000 unaccredited drivers – a move that will take effect by Monday, June 10, but regulators said should have been done “months ago.”

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) issued a show cause order to Grab on Thursday, June 6. The company is set to appear before the regulatory body on Tuesday, June 11.

The LTFRB said it regularly sends a report to Grab containing the list of drivers who apply for government accreditation.

“Drivers who do not apply at all for a certificate of public convenience should have already been deactivated by Grab per LTFRB order issued months ago,” the agency said.

The LTFRB added that over 5,000 provisional authorities remain unclaimed by applicants.

Grab recently announced it would deactivate drivers of “colorum” units who have not yet submitted any proof that they were granted provisional authority by the LTFRB. It said the move was an act of “good faith” in compliance with requirements set by the regulatory body.

Grab Philippines president Brian Cu admitted this would reduce the number of vehicles servicing the commuting public and would cause inconvenience.

Aside from the deactivation of drivers, the LTFRB said Grab will also need to address complaints over unimplemented discounts for persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and students.

“The LTFRB stands by its commitment to its mandate of ensuring the safety of the riding public and drivers through the rigorous implementation of its issued rules and regulations,” the agency said.

Grab said it would issue a statement on the issues raised on Friday, June 7. – Rappler.com