Move It says Grab deal not unlawful, questions 'backdoor entry' claims

Move It on Wednesday defended its acquisition by ride-hailing and delivery firm Grab Philippines, and questioned why the transaction is being dubbed as a "backdoor entry" into the government's pilot run of motorcycle taxis.

According to Move It General Manager Wayne Jacinto, the acquisition by Grab was done to boost the firm's services and provide more jobs to prospective riders.

"Ang hindi po kasi namin maintindihan dito, ang sinasabing backdoor. Kung meron pong backdoor ano po ba 'yung front door?" he said during the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum.

"Hindi ko po nakikita na unlawful ito so hindi ko po maintindihan kung bakit kailangan nila sabihin na backdoor entry," he added.

(What we do not understand is what they are calling it backdoor. If there is a backdoor then what is the front door? I do not see this as unlawful so I don't understand why they need to describe it as a backdoor entry.)

Several groups have criticized Grab Philippines' acquisition of Move It, as announced last month, for an undisclosed amount.

Move It is one of the three firms approved by the government in the pilot run of motorycle taxis, along with DBDOYC Inc.’s Angkas, and JoyRide.

Groups critical to the transaction have dubbed it as a "backdoor entry" for Grab into the pilot run, saying that the deal seems designed for Grab to have "instant accreditation" through the acquisition.

"Ang sa 'min kasi sa Move It, we welcome itong development na ito kasi mas lalo naming mapapalakas ang aming hanay upang makapagbigay ng trabaho sa mga kababayan natin," Jacinto said.

(For us in Move It, we welcome this development because it will strengthen our ranks to be able to provide more jobs to our countrymen.)

For its part, Grab earlier maintained that the transaction is now a merger, and that Move It will continue to operate as a separate entity and use its own platform.

"Regardless of its ownership, Move It maintains its corporate identity and branding under the leadership of its Chairman Mr. Francis Juan. Given the transition of government, we prudently and proactively informed all relevant government agencies — based on our rigorous legal due diligence," it said earlier this month.

Move It earlier this month also said it would onboard an additional 6,000 to its platform in the next three months, following the acquisition by Grab. —KBK, GMA News