Grab seeks clarification: Is Angkas our rival?

Grab Philippines is looking for a way out of the procompetition restrictions that had so cost it millions of pesos in fines, by possibly arguing that a big enough rival has already come along.

The ride-hailing giant said on Thursday that the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) should clarify if motorcycle taxis were now considered its competitors, after a former PCC commissioner said that barring the likes of Angkas would mean removing Grab’s “competition.” Grab was referring to Rep. Stella Quimbo, who earlier warned transport authorities that banning motorcycle taxis at the end of a pilot test meant that Grab would continue to monopolize the market.

This is an important distinction since the restrictions that currently bound the company—called voluntary commitments—are meant to keep it in check until a new and strong enough competitor emerges.

“We cannot right away apply for release from voluntary commitments because there are certain market share thresholds that will have to be met per player before we can apply for release,” Grab said.

These voluntary commitments result in penalties for Grab whenever it overcharges its passengers and prevents its drivers from working under other ride-hailing apps.

But PCC Commissioner Johannes Bernabe said that they would only consider this after motorcycle taxis had finally been legalized.