Group hits expansion of Grab permit

A commuter books a vehicle via ride-hailing app Grab in Manila.  INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / RICHARD A. REYES

A coalition of operators and drivers of transportation network vehicle service (TNVS) on Wednesday opposed to the government’s plan to open more than 10,000 new slots for ride hailing services, as there are pending approval of TNVS applications. The coalition, called Laban TNVS, said the government should instead audit transport network companies, such as Grab. Laban TNVS president Jun de Leon claimed at a press conference on Wednesday that “thousands” of the almost 40,000 deactivated TNVS units are still operating illegally. Manibela national president Mar Valbuena, whose group is part of the coalition, said there were vehicles whose franchises had already expired but are still operating. —DEMPSEY REYES