Grab Philippines prohibits political ads in service vehicles

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

MANILA, Philippines — Grab Philippines clarified on Saturday that it does not carry nor promote any form of political advertisement in their driver-partners’ vehicles.

“Grab is a non-partisan company and does not in any way support this form of political promotion,” Grab Public Affairs Head Leo Gonzales said in a statement.

“While we respect our driver-partners’ political preferences, we reserve the right to take corresponding actions to any violation of our company policies,” he added.

The statement of Gonzales came after the ride-hailing company received some reports that a number of its vehicles were found to have political advertisements of candidates for the upcoming elections.

He then urged the public to report Grab vehicles with political ads.

“We request the public to reach out to us for any sightings of these vehicles. You may reach us at our hotline 02-8837107,” he said.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said that as of Friday, only a total of 62 senatorial hopefuls were part of the “certified list” of candidates for the May midterm polls.

This after 13 candidates were declared nuisance and the withdrawal of former Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque.

READ: Comelec narrows down Senate bets from 76 to 63

READ: BREAK: Harry Roque withdraws Senate bid

A total of 152 applications were received by the Comelec during the filing of the certificates of candidacy held last October.

Campaign period for senatorial candidates and party-list groups will begin on February 12. /jpv