Senator JV Ejercito on Tuesday chided the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) for implementing a crackdown on Grab and Uber vehicles, which he said “offer far better and more convenient services than regular taxis.”

“In the first place, LTFRB has to put in mind why these TNVS (Transport Network Vehicle Services) are thriving. Ngayong may maayos naman na serbisyo na inoffer sa publiko, pipigilan naman ng LTFRB! (Now that there is a better service being offered to the public, the LTFRB is now stopping it)” Ejercito said in a statement.

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Instead of suspending the issuance of TNVS, Ejercito said the LTFRB should take action first on the complaints against picky and abusive taxi drivers.

READ: LTFRB to impound Uber, Grab cars lacking franchise

“Kung ganito kayo kaingay at kadesididong patawan ng service ban ang Grab at Uber, dapat ganito rin ang aksyon ninyo sa mga reklamo sa regular taxis! (If you are this clamorous and determined to impose service ban against Grab and Uber, you should also display the same action on the complaints against regular taxis!)” Ejercito said of the LTFRB’s new decision.

The visibly piqued senator said he will call for a meeting to mediate with the LTFRB and the management of Grab and Uber to come up with a compromise for both parties before July 26.

“I am not siding with anyone on this issue. What’s important to consider here is the convenience and safety of the riding public. We would consider all remedies without disregarding the law,” he said.

Ejercito is the vice chairman of the Senate committee on public services.

He also called on Grab and Uber to immediately comply with the requirements to ensure the safety of their riding customers.

Recently, the LTFRB fined Grab and Uber P5 million each for violating the terms and conditions of their accreditation, such as the inclusion in their platforms of drivers who do not have franchises to operate.

By July 26, Grab and Uber drivers without franchises will be fined P120,000 and their vehicles impounded for three months. JPV

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