Grab driver suspended for trying to overcharge passenger

A Grab driver who allegedly asked for a higher fare from his passenger has been suspended, GMA News' Saleema Refran reported on 24 Oras on Tuesday.

In her social media post, the passenger "Lara" said she intended to pay P200 to the driver, but the latter asked for P250. It was unclear how much was the booking fee.

"P250 po, wala po pasahero diyan pabalik," the unidentified driver texted Lara.

"Ay hindi po, P200 po talaga binabayad ko. Cancel mo na lang if 'di kaya,"  Lara said.

The driver then told her to just take a tricycle or taxi. "Mag-tricycle po kayo kung payag P200 o kaya mag-taxi kayo para mas mataga kayo. Bwisit."

The management of Grab said they ordered the driver to "report to Grab and undergo retraining."

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), meanwhile, said they would hold the franchise of the driver.

"Ihe-heads up namin 'yung team namin na nagpoproseso ng mga prangkisa to put on hold itong tao na ito. We do not like to give a franchise to someone who is already acting like that," said LTFRB board member Aileen Lizada.

At present, the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) is collecting similar complaints as part of their review process in the Grab-Uber merger.

The PCC has ordered Uber to continue operating its application for the entire duration of its motu proprio review.

"Kailangan po umaandar ang inyong app, magsibalikan ang mga driver at siyempre po kung mayroong mga complaints sa mga pasahero, kailangan mayroon pong pupuntahan," PCC Commissioner Stella Quimbo said.

"We need to protect the riding public from all the risks involved in this agreement," Lizada added. —Anna Felicia Bajo/KBK, GMA News