Uber app needs further study amid LTFRB crackdown—Palace

Screengrab from https://www.uber.com/

MANILA, Philippines — Following the crackdown of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on private vehicles servicing commuters through the mobile application Uber, Malacañang on Sunday said the government still needs to study how to address the problem.

“Perhaps we need to study this issue because this method of getting transportation used by our citizens is already being debated upon in other countries,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said over state-run Radyo ng Bayan.

Uber is a ridesharing service that allows passengers to connect with drivers through a smartphone application. Taxi drivers in some countries oppose the service, claiming that it allows illegal taxicab operations.

Last week, the LTFRB apprehended a driver using the app, acting on a complaint from the Philippine National Taxi Operators Association (PNTOA).

Coloma said that Uber has already caused massive protests in Europe because of the transport union’s opposition although it posed no problems in the United States.

“Here in our country, the LTFRB is looking into its implications because under our law, those who want to offer public transport should secure a franchise from the LTFRB. And the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is the LTFRB’s partner in implementing the law,” he explained.

Coloma said it is important that the people’s transport needs are addressed in accordance with the law.

He said the government also wants to ensure the safety of the public.

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