‘PCC’s P23-M  fine vs Grab not linked to LTFRB fare structure’

MANILA, Philippines – The Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Thursday clarified that the P23-million fine imposed by the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC)  on ride-hailing firm Grab has “nothing to do” with the board’s fare structure.

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The LTFRB said it met with PCC officials to discuss the imposed fine.

The PCC earlier imposed a P23.45 million-fine against Grab “for breaching its pricing commitments.”

“To put it in proper context, the fine issued by PCC in its Decision recently rendered pertains to the failure of Grab to fulfill its commitment to PCC as embodied in Grab’s Undertaking which it voluntarily submitted to PCC. It has nothing to do with LTFRB’s fare structure.” LTFRB Board Member Engr. Ronaldo F. Corpus clarified in a statement.

The LTFRB said that it will continue working with PCC on the issue.

“The agency shall, therefore, conduct a review to monitor Grab’s fare setting in order to determine any violation on the existing fare structure issued by the Board,” the LTFRB said.

Grab Philippines president Brian Cu earlier clarified that the fine was not due to “overcharging”, saying that they have been compliant with the fare matrix set by the LTFRB.

Cu said they will abide by the PCC in order to refund P5.05 million to its passengers.

He said Grab passengers who booked a ride from February to May 2019 will receive a refund ranging from less than P1 to over P100.

“There are some that will get below a peso, there are some that will get over a hundred pesos depende kung gaano karaming trips ang ti-nake nila,” Cu said.

(There are some that will get below a peso, there are some that will get over a hundred pesos depending on how many trips they took.)

GSG