LTFRB stands by order vs. Grab despite board member’s dissenting opinion

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is standing by its decision on Grab Philippines' P2 per minute travel charge despite a dissenting opinion from one of its own board members.

LTFRB Chairperson Martin Delgra made the clarification on Wednesday, a day after the board approved an order that fined Grab Philippines P10 million for allegedly overcharging its passengers.

Board member Aileen Lizada, who filed a dissenting opinion on the order, had cited a department order that supposedly allowed transport network companies (TNCs) to set their own fare structure.

"BM Lizada's dissenting opinion was considered as such, a dissenting opinion," Delgra told GMA News Online in a text message.

"The majority however ruled otherwise," he added.

Along with the fine, the LTFRB order issued Tuesday instructed Grab to reimburse, by way of rebate, all passengers affected by the P2 per minute travel charge from June 5, 2017 to April 10, 2018.

Grab country head Brian Cu has released a statement declaring that the company stands by the legality of the P2 charge.

“We would like our driver-partners and passengers to know that we are committed to continuing Grab’s pursuit towards a better future for the transportation industry,” Grab also said.

The ride hailing giant had been compelled to suspend its P2 per minute charge last April after PBA party-list Representative Jericho Nograles claimed it was part of the TNC’s “hidden charges.” — BM, GMA News