LTFRB junks group’s plaint vs Uber, Grab

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has dismissed all petitions filed by a transport group against the operations of vehicles under the ride-sharing apps Uber and Grab.

In a consolidated order released on Tuesday, the LTFRB denied for lack of merit the petitions filed by  1-United Transport Koalisyon (1-Utak) against the operations of the Transport Network Companies (TNCs) and issuance of franchise to their partner Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS).

“We gave both parties ample time to air their pleas and contentions, and the Board decided to make a disposition that would promote better mobility and benefit the riding public,” LTFRB Chair Winston Ginez said.

1-Utak said the department order permitting the operation of TNCs and TNVS violates the constitutional right to equal protection of other public utility vehicles covered by the moratorium on the issuance of franchise. It noted that while TNCs can practice surge pricing, PUVs have to seek LTFRB approval for any fare adjustment.

Uber countered that the order was presumed valid until nullified by higher courts and that the LTFRB is not a body that can determine its constitutionality. Uber and Grab also said 1-Utak had no legal standing to oppose TNC applications and accreditation.

Another group, Stop and Go, has a pending petition in the Quezon City court against the department order.