Uber lauds LTFRB for approving accreditation in 2 days

Uber Philippines lauded the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) for the quick approval of its accreditation under a regulatory framework that makes the country the first in Asia to legalize app-based ridesharing services.

“We are extremely proud of the result of our work with the government to lay the groundwork to pass regulations for app-based ridesharing services,” Laurence Cua, Uber Philippines general manager, said in a statement.

“We will continue to pave the way in the Philippines with new technology that will help commuting in Metro Manila safe and convenient for the community,” Cua said.

He added that Uber, together with the local government, would help reduce traffic congestion.

The LTFRB held a sting operation against an Uber driver in October 2014, after receiving complaints from taxi operators regarding the lack of franchise of the private vehicles.

Following consultations to modernize the regulation on public utility vehicles, the Department of Transportation and Communications created the new app-based transport category with the LTFRB issuing the memorandum circulars in May.

The LTFRB said it would start a crackdown on “colorum” vehicles on Friday (Aug. 21).

Uber’s application for accreditation as a transportation network company was approved within 48 hours of submission, Cua noted.

Uber submitted the required documents on Monday afternoon and was approved Wednesday morning.

“We are proud to have worked closely with the LTFRB and the DOTC to make Philippines the first country in Asia to legalize app-based ridesharing services,” Uber said in a statement.

“The accreditation will enable Uber to expand and bring safe, reliable and convenient rides to more cities in the Philippines,” it said.

“TNVS (transportation network vehicle service) applications are now being submitted on a daily basis to LTFRB,” Karun Arya, Uber communication lead for South Asia and India, said through email.

“Due to the sheer volume of drivers on our platform, as well as the fact that we received our TNC accreditation just yesterday, we are using a phased approach for our partners’ TNVS application submissions,” Arya said on Thursday.

He said Uber has been working with their partner-drivers to finalize their submissions as quickly as possible in close consultation and with the guidance of the LTFRB. Erika Sauler, Philippine Daily Inquirer