By Rex Remitio, CNN Philippines, Jul 9, 2017
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 7) — The future of tens of thousands of Grab and Uber drivers in the Philippines is in limbo as transport authorities have yet to determine if they will renew the accreditations of the two Transportation Network Companies (TNC).
Grab’s accreditation expired on July 3, while Uber’s accreditation will expire in August this year.
Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Memorandum Circular 2015-015 states that a TNC must obtain LTFRB accreditation, valid for two years, before being allowed to operate.
LTFRB Spokesperson Aileen Lizada said Grab has formally requested for renewal of its accreditation, although the regulatory board has yet to act on it.
However, Grab Government Communications Manager Fiona Nicolas said it was business as usual for the company.
“Sinabi ni (LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra III) na wala naman pong order ang LTFRB para huminto tayo sa operations natin, so magtrabaho lang po tayo ng tama at sumunod sa batas trapiko,” Nicolas said.
[Translation: LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra III said LTFRB has not ordered us to halt our operations so we will continue to do our work, and follow traffic rules.]
The LTFRB is set to hold a hearing on July 11 to discuss the TNCs’ accreditations.
No ‘PA,’ no passengers
Transport authorities said Grab drivers who don’t have a 45-day provisional authority (PA), a renewable document that allows drivers to accept fares until they are issued a franchise, will have to pay a fine of up to ₱120,000 if caught.
Nicolas told CNN Philippines on July 8 that the company always reminds drivers of the risks when drivng without a PA.
“It’s a matter of personal choice for the drivers,” she said. “They are family men. They have mouths to feed, monthly amortizations to pay. It’s a matter of livelihood for them, not just a piece of paper.”
She added that it isn’t illegal for Grab passengers to ride in cars without PAs.
The transport regulatory board stopped accepting applications for new franchises in July 2016 because of concerns over safety and accountability of the ride-hailing applications.
World Day for Safety and Health at Work
“Safety and health at work every day!”
Invoke Article 33 of the ILO constitution
against the military junta in Myanmar to carry out the 2021 ILO Commission of Inquiry recommendations against serious violations of Forced Labour and Freedom of Association protocols.
Accept National Unity Government
(NUG) of Myanmar.
Reject Military!
#WearMask #WashHands #Distancing #TakePicturesVideos
Monthly Observances:
March – Women’s Role in History Month
April – Month of Planet Earth
Weekly Observances:
Last Week of March: Protection and Gender Fair Treatment of the Girl Child Week
Last Week of April – World Immunization Week
Daily Observances:
Mar 25 – International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transallantic Slave Trade
Mar 27– Earth Hour
Apr 21 – Civil Service Day
Apr 22 – World Earth Day
Apr 28 – World Day for Safety and Health at Work
