UNLESS it can provide back office support, Uber should just shut down its operations in the Philippines, an official of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said Saturday evening, April 7.
Uber, which planned to transition its ride-sharing services over to rival Grab Sunday, April 8 as part of a merger deal, has been ordered to maintain independent operations pending the results of a motu propio review by the Philippine Competition Commission.
Aileen Lizada, LTFRB Board member, said, however, that if the Uber app continues to function without back office support, Uber might just as well shut down operations.
"We would require Uber to close down because how can we assure the riding public of their safety and their convenience if it is only in compliance with the order that their apps be up but without a support system?" Lizada said Saturday evening.
"If there is a road crash and passenger would like to file their complaint, who will respond if there is no one onboard? Their apps might be up but is the back system in place? Is the full support in place?" she added.
On Friday, the PCC issued interim measures, among which orders the Uber to continue its operations beyond April 8 while the agency is conducting an “in-depth” review of the Grab-Uber deal.
"In a bid to protect competition in a looming monopoly, the PCC issued a set of Interim Measures to ensure the welfare of the riding public and the drivers while the in-depth review of the Grab-Uber deal is ongoing," he said.
Grab and Uber were directed to comply with the PCC order within five working days. The two ride-sharing providers could be held in contempt and face penalties if they fail to comply with the order. (VoxPop Philippines)
