LTFRB to begin apprehending Uber drivers Tuesday night

LTFRB board member Aileen Lizada. (File photo by GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE / Philippine Daily Inquirer)

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) urged Uber drivers not to risk plying the streets as the agency denied on Tuesday the transport network company’s (TNC) motion for reconsideration.

“Now that the MR [motion for reconsideration] has been denied, our apprehension [of Uber drivers] will continue,” LTFRB board member Aileen Lizada told reporters in a chance interview. “So, to the TNVS [transport network vehicle services], please do not [take a] risk. We will find solutions for you. Rest assured that your concerns are being [addressed]. We’ll straighten things out for you, just be patient with us.”

In a statement, Uber said that while it was “disappointed” with the LTFRB decision, it assured the public that it would “comply with the order.”

“We look forward to urgently resolving this matter, and thank the public for its support over the last 24 hours,” it said.

In its three-page decision released to the media on Tuesday night, the LTFRB pointed out that its July 26 order to the TNCs not to accept new drivers into their platforms was “clear and plain.”

“The mere acceptance, much less, receipt and evaluation of documents submitted by applicants for accreditation is tantamount to a direct violation of the [July 26] order. The public statement by [Uber] openly admitting that they were still accepting applications simply become a declaration against interest,” it said.

Lizada said that starting Tuesday night Uber’s app should be disabled to avoid drivers from getting requests from commuters. Unlike on Monday when drivers were given leeway, the LTFRB official said that transport authorities would immediately begin apprehending Uber drivers caught plying the streets.

If caught, drivers will be fined P120,000 and their cars will be impounded for three months.

LTFRB said in its cease-and-desist order, however, that Uber would be held responsible for the apprehended drivers, whom it noted should be given financial assistance during the TNC’s one-month suspension. /atm