Sen. Grace Poe. (Voltaire F. Domingo/Senate PRIB)
MANILA, Philippines — Senator Grace Poe on Thursday called on authorities to go after fake ride-hailing app drivers.
Social media users shared their experiences with a driver who pretended to be the one booked from a transportation network vehicle service (TNVS) company but was driving a vehicle different from what was shown in the ride-hailing app.
MODUS WARNING at SM north. While waiting for my ride, a driver pretends to be a grab. I'm on the phone looking like I'm calling a driver, and he rolls down the window pointing to his phone, briefly showing an app open.
"Ma'am yung car niyo. Booking Po?"
— Justine Peña (@jus_pena) January 22, 2023
Poe said the scam poses a threat to users of the ride-hailing app.
“Authorities must lose no time in cracking down on reported fake ride-hailing app drivers posing as the booked ride of commuters,” she said in a statement.
“The scheme could victimize passengers through exorbitant fare charges that would be hard to contest once inside the vehicle. Worst, it threatens the safety and security of passengers as the ride offer could be used as cover for other criminal intent,” she added.
Poe added that the government’s swift response must match the public’s vigilance.
“The vigilance of our people must be matched with quick action from the police, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, and other concerned agencies in putting in place measures to counter this illegal modus,” she said.
READ: Beware of scammers posing as ride-hailing app drivers – LTFRB
The senator likewise called on legitimate ride-hailing companies “to work closely with authorities in getting rid of the fake ones that could impact on their business.”
For Poe, commuters deserve to feel safe and secure as they travel to their destinations.
“Our weary commuters who are forced to shell out hard-earned money to get to their destination or to get home deserve always to feel safe and secure,” she said.