RTC judge clarifies: TRO suspends applications, not operations for Uber, GrabCar

The Quezon City judge who handed down a temporary restraining order against transport officials on Friday clarified that his order only covered future applications for vehicles applying to become Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS).

Judge Santiago Arenas of Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 217 told GMA News that the TRO does not suspend operations by transport network companies (TNCs) like Uber and GrabCar.

The decision bars the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board from "accepting, processing and approving of applications of motor applications of motor vehicles as public utility vehicles accredited and belonging to TNVS and under the command and operation of TNC for a period of Twenty (20) days effective from date of receipt hereof."

The TRO was issued in favor of the Stop and Go Coalition.

It recognized the coalition's argument that income of those driving transport utilities with franchise are affected because of Uber and Grab vehicles.

The next hearing for the preliminary injunction the Stop and Go Coalition is seeking has been set on December 8.

Jun Magno, president of the coalition, told GMA News that the operation of Uber and Grab is wrong because not having a franchise is against the law, and they are charging passengers without following the tariff issued by the LTFRB.

He added that the companies have been given "special treatment."

LTFRB Chairman Atty. Winston Ginez told GMA News Online that they will implement the 20-day suspension once the TRO is received by their agency.

No suspension of operations

Both Grab and Uber have stated that they will not suspend their services.

In a statement, Grab said they have yet to receive the TRO and thus will continue to operate.

“The TRO hasn't been officially received by neither GrabCar nor the LTFRB. Until we receive the TRO, we will continue to operate as usual,” the statement read.

Grab also assured the public that they will comply with government regulations.

“We are closely coordinating with the government and we are hopeful that we will get their support to be able to provide safe and convenient GrabCar rides in the country,” it said.

“Our commitment towards providing the highest quality of service remains. We will post updates here as soon as there are developments,” it added.

Uber also issued a similar statement, saying they will work with the LTFRB in resolving the matter.

"We are aware of the TRO that was announced on Friday, December 4 and are currently in the process of reviewing the ruling to determine its possible implications," it said.

"Uber was not a party to the proceedings and so we are currently coordinating with the LTFRB and other concerned parties to make sure that we have a full understanding of the issue,” it added.

"In the meantime, our operations are running as normal. We thank you for the concern and we value your continued partnership as we work to move transportation forward in Metro Manila and the rest of the Philippines." —Andrei Medina with Rose-An Jessica Dioquino and Maki Pulido/JST, GMA News