Grab, Uber accreditation papers missing –LTFRB

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Friday said the accreditation papers of Transport Network Companies (TNCs) Grab and Uber are missing.

"Ever since we assumed office last year, we tried to locate the accreditation folders of both Uber and Grab. However, after searching the office of the ED (Executive Director) and the office of the chairman, they are nowhere to be found," LTFRB board member Aileen Lizada told reporters.

However, Lizada said this would not affect the pending renewal of both TNCs.

"[N]o connection sa renewal, question is who took them and why?" Lizada said in a text message to reporters.

Grab's accreditation expired on July 3, while Uber's will expire in August.

Where are the other copies?

Meanwhile, former LTFRB board member Ariel Inton said in a phone interview with GMA News Online that it was under the helm of former LTFRB executive director Roberto Cabrera when Grab and Uber were accredited.

"If yung sa office ng executive director yung nire-refer ni Atty. Lizada, ganito 'yan, Grab and Uber where accredited during the time of Bobit Cabrera as executive director before he became the [assistant secretary] and chief of LTO (Land Transportation Office). After him was a short stint of Atty. Glen Zaragosa as OIC Executive Director. And then after that was the appointment of Atty. Bob Peig as executive director," Inton said.

"Why did they not ask Atty. Peig during that time, kung nawala 'yon? Number two, I don't think na nawala lahat ng kopya nun kasi there are several copies of the accreditation application," he added.

Inton said assuming that the accreditation applications went missing, there would be several other copies available.

"There was an accreditation committee headed by Bobit Cabrera during that time, so each of the member of the committee I would say has copies. Ako, may kopya, because I always photocopy the important documents," he said.

"So in other words, assuming nawala yung isang kopya, there are several other copies," he added.

Inton said that this would not affect the renewal of both TNCs.

"Wala...In fact when Grab filed its petition for extension of their renewal of their accreditation, doon pa lang pwede mo nang itanong assuming na nawala yung kopya Grab can you furnish us a copy? Don't insinuate something na hindi naman big deal," Inton said. —KBK, GMA News