LTFRB warns Grab, Uber drivers that cancel trips, snub passengers

 

The LTFRB will be monitoring transport network vehicle service (TNVS) operators directly as complaints will no longer run through transport network companies (TNCs) such as Grab or Uber.

"Noon, hawak ng TNC, ngayon it's the government now that has control of the...master list,"  LTFRB board member Aileen Lizada said in a 24 Oras report by Mark Salazar on Tuesday.

"Kung meron ho tayong isnaberong taxi, sa mga hearing ho namin, may mga isnaberong ring online. 'Wag ho kayong mag-cancel, 'wag ho kayong mag-refuse," she added.

The LTFRB lifted the suspension on accepting new applications for TNVS operators which was implemented last July 2016 for the board to review some policies in regulating TNVS drivers.

According to the report, the LTFRB said the new system enables applicants with complete requirements to complete the "one-stop-shop" process in 10 minutes.

However, applicants endured long lines at LTFRB offices on Tuesday as only 300 of over 65,000 TNVS applications have been processed.

Moreover, TNVS operators are now required to include their income tax return (ITRs) in applying for franchises.

Some applicants interviewed in the report said they would be shedding out additional expenses for the new requirement.

"Kasi doble eh, meron kaming 20 percent na binbayaran sa Grab at hindi ko alam kung saan lahat napupunta 'yun. Sana...dapat doon na kuhanin 'yung tax ng TNVS. Sa operator, dapat malinis na sa amin ang kaltas na 20 percent na 'yon," a partner driver said.

The LTFRB also received several complaints that app-based transport service U-Hop was allegedly charging its partner drivers up to P100,000 in taxes.

In the report, Lizada advised the partner drivers to straighten out their legal concerns with U-Hop, which currently operates without an official application.

"Hinahabol-habol namin sila ma'am tungkol sa...eh sabi namin, kasuhan na lang," a U-Hop operator said.

"Sinasabi namin, 'wag niyong ipasa 'yung capital outlay niyo sa mga partner operator niyo. Sa inyo ho iyon. Dapat bumibili kayo ng apps niyo dahil hanggang ngayon, wala parin kayong apps," Lizada said.

In an earlier report, it was pointed out that franchises granted to TNVS applicants will be “generic,” which means partner drivers will not be limited to serve as partner drivers of either Uber or Grab Philippines.

The LTFRB also issued a moratorium which prevents traffic enforcers from apprehending TNVS operators as their applications are being processed. —Margaret Claire Layug/JST, GMA News