Groups, Manila solon urge House to look into Grab’s acquisition of Move It

(left to right) Ronald Gustilo, National Campaigner, Digital Pinoys; Atty. Ariel Inton, Founder, Lawyers for Commuters Safety and Protection; Manila 3rd District Rep. Atty. Joel Chua; Ariel Lim, National Convenor and Chairperson, National Public Transport Coalition; Rod Cruz, National Chairman, Arangkada Riders’ Alliance.

MANILA, Philippines — Manila Third District Representative Atty. Joel Chua said he will recommend that the House of Representatives conduct an inquiry into Grab’s acquisition of Move It.

During a dialogue requested by transport and civic groups, Chua said he finds the acquisition “premature” given that the government’s motorcycle taxi program is still in its testing stage.

“As the Vice Chairman of the House Committee on Metro Manila Development, I will recommend an inquiry to look into the complaints. I would also like to call on the DOTr (Department of Transportation) to immediately convene the TWG (Technical Working Group) to resume the pilot study as well as thoroughly review this acquisition of Move It by Grab,” Chua said.

Chua slammed Grab’s acquisition of Move It saying it defied the orders given by the TWG. “Itong binigay sa kanila, this is not a right. This is a privilege. Binigyan ka ng privilege tapos dinefy mo,” explained Chua.

The Manila solon also wants to know if Grab and Move It have sat down with relevant regulators as they claimed in media interviews.

READ: Rise in fares of motorcycle taxi feared as Grab acquires Move It

“Ang sinasabi ng Grab at Move It, nagpaalam sila sa Congress, Senate, TWG pero ang sale nangyari ng August. Last week of July, kaka SONA lang ng Presidente, kakasimula lang ng Kongreso. Wala pang committee assignments. DOTr nag transition pa lang, hindi pa alam sino ang uupo. Kanino kayo nagpaalam?” Chua asked.

Chua wants to stress that he is very much open to new players in the motorcycle taxi industry as it promotes healthy competition. But considering that the government is currently conducting a pilot test in aid of legislation, there should be limitations when it comes to mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships until a law is in place.

The Arangkada Riders’ Alliance, Tricycle Operator Driver Association Groups, together with the leaders of Digital Pinoys and Lawyers for Commuters Safety and Protection–trooped to Chua’s to discuss their concerns.

Among the issues they raised include the seeming backdoor entry of Grab in the motorcycle taxi pilot study through the acquisition of Move It, the alleged continuous disregard for rider welfare, and fare overcharging.

Chua said if these issues remain unchecked, the riding public will suffer. The groups also called on other lawmakers to support Chua and to look into the matter by way of a congressional inquiry.

Chua is hopeful the congressional inquiry will help fast track the passage of the Motorcycle Taxi bill into law to better protect riders and passengers.

/MUF