Senator Raffy Tulfo expressed concern over the surge fees imposed by the Transportation Network Vehicle Services (TNVS) including Grab Philippines, especially amid the holiday season.
“Maraming reklamo ang nakarating sa akin mula sa mga pasaherong gumagamit ng Grab na ayon sa kanila, kasama sa sinisingil na pasahe ng nasabing ride hailing application ang napakalaking surge fee,” Tulfo said.
“Kasama sa sinisingil na pasahe ng Grab hailing application ang napakalaking surge fee.”
To address the issue, the legislator’s office immediately coordinated with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and asked what they are doing about it.
According to LTFRB, the agency has already conducted a series of hearings regarding the surge fee following complaints by some commuters and they are set to issue a draft resolution soon.
LTFRB will include in the said resolution their findings and all possible sanctions on violators, especially for those who failed to comply with the set fare rates for TNVS contained in their Memorandum Circular No. 2019-036.
“They could face monetary penalties, suspension or even cancellation of their franchise.”
Asked about the sanctions on transport network companies violating fare rates, LTFRB said they could face monetary penalties, suspension or even cancellation of their franchise in accordance with Joint Administrative Order No. 2014-01.
As Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Public Services, Tulfo is set to file a Senate Resolution in aid of legislation to thoroughly investigate said issue and other complaints of commuters against TNVS, especially Grab.
The lawmaker said he wants to ensure that commuters’ and drivers’ rights are both protected.
