Manila solon pushes for probe on Grab-Move It deal in Congress
Manila 3rd District Rep. Atty. Joel Chua
MANILA, Philippines — Manila Third District Representative Atty. Joel Chua is bent on opening a congressional inquiry regarding the Grab acquisition of Move It last August. Chua said as soon as Congress resumes this November, he will immediately take up the matter with House Committee Chair for Metro Manila Development Rep. Rolando Valeriano, and will swiftly move to file a resolution to open an investigation.
“We will push through with the investigation in aid of legislation in order for us to shed more light about the issue as well as push for the passage of the Motorcycle Taxi bill into law,” Chua said.
Some transport, civic, and rider groups previously cried foul after Grab acquired Move It’s business operations while the government’s pilot study is still on-going. The pilot study only accredited three motorcycle taxi hailing apps under its program–Angkas, Joyride, and Move It. Initially, Grab applied to participate in the pilot study but withdrew. Subsequently, Grab proposed a commercial partnership with Move It, but the Technical Working Group (TWG) of the Department of Transportation (DOTr), which was created by Congress to oversee the pilot study, disallowed the partnership. After Grab’s acquisition of Move It, transport, civic, and rider groups voiced their concern on what they claim is a backdoor entry into the government pilot study.
Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista has said in an interview that there is no need to review the Grab-Move It acquisition as the deal was done between two private companies. Bautista’s statement drew flak from civic groups. Digital Pinoys National Campaigner Ronald Gustilo asserted that “the DOTr-TWG is a multi-sectoral governing body which was created to regulate activities under the pilot study and thus, needs a formal consultation with different stakeholders.”
Representative Chua himself was surprised by the Transportation Secretary’s statements saying that Bautista should have first consulted with other governing bodies t before making such a statement. “To the good Secretary, I think this matter should be consulted with other stakeholders first. I’m requesting that you immediately reconvene the TWG so this matter can be reviewed thoroughly and concerns can be immediately addressed,” Chua explained.
Gustilo, for his part, stated that “it is unfortunate that this is the view of the Transportation Secretary given that they have a leadership role in the TWG. However, the MC Taxi Pilot study is a creation of Congress, in aid of legislation. Therefore, it is imperative that they convene the TWG as soon as possible.”
Chua stressed that “competition is always in the motorcycle taxi industry given its economic benefits, but it should be done after a law has been put in place.” This will ensure, he said, “that riders, commuters, and everyone relying on motorcycle taxi hailing appswill be protected.”
Digital Pinoy’s Gustilo harped on this assertion, pointing out that the TWG previously issued a directive that Grab can only enter the motorcycle taxi industry once a law has been passed.
