Grab appeals P10-M fine for overcharging customers

Grab Philippines has appealed to the Land of Transportation and Regulatory and Franchising Board (LTFRB) to reconsider its decision to impose a P10-million fine for overcharging its customers.

In the 27-page motion for reconsideration, the company appealed before the board “to reverse and set aside” its decision to fine the ride-hailing company over its alleged illegal P2 per minute travel charge.

READ: LTFRB orders Grab to pay P10M for overcharging customers

“Respondent…respectfully prays that this Honorable Board reverse and set aside its order dated July 9, and in lieu of, issue a new one dismissing the show-cause order and case for utter lack of merit,” Grab said in its motion for reconsideration.

The document was submitted to the LTFRB last July 19 but was only released to media after a few days.

A hearing was scheduled to discuss Grab Philippines’s motion with the LTFRB on Tuesday morning but was canceled. No explanation was given for the cancellation.

In its motion, Grab also asserted that LTFRB’s decision was “contrary to law” as the company had followed Department of Transportation Order (DO) 2015, which states that it is valid for ride-hailing firms to set their own fares.

READ: Grab’s motion for reconsideration

However, days after Grab changed their fare structure, another DO was released.

Grab argued that the LTFRB failed to establish that DO 2015 “has been impliedly repealed by any subsequent issuances of DOTr.”

DO 2017 states that transport network companies should have “pre-arranged fare as authorized by the LTFRB.”

LTFRB’s order to fine Grab stemmed from a complaint filed by Puwersa ng Bayaning Atleta Partylist Rep. Jericho Nograles that the ride-hailing firm’s P80 base fare was “illegal.” /ee