THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is set to issue a show-cause order against Grab Philippines over a video posted by a Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) driver who claimed that ride-hailing drivers are allowed to decline passenger bookings.
LTFRB Chairman Vigor Mendoza II said on Sunday that the agency will require Grab to identify the driver behind the vlog and explain whether its platform permits TNVS partners to refuse bookings, particularly based on a passenger’s destination.
Mendoza stated that after receiving inquiries from netizens seeking clarification on the claims made by the TNVS driver, who alleged that drivers could reject bookings if they were uncomfortable with passengers’ destinations.
The LTFRB chief stressed that refusing to transport passengers violates the conditions attached to the authority granted to public transportation operators, including TNVS units operating under a provisional authority or Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC).
“Ride-hailing services, just like other public utility vehicles, are bound by the rules and regulations that include a provision that refusing to convey passengers is a violation and is punishable,” Mendoza said in a statement.
He emphasized that the authority given to TNVS operators and partners is for public service and convenience, not the personal preferences and comfort of drivers.
“The authority to operate TNVS and other PUVs is granted not for the comfort of the drivers and operators but the riding public,” Mendoza said.
The LTFRB chairman said the claim made in the vlog was incorrect and could undermine the regulations governing ride-hailing services.
“I do not know how or where this TNVS driver got that wrong idea. This is wrong and dangerous since it compromises the rules and regulations that govern TNVS,” he said.
Mendoza also reminded transport network companies (TNCs) to ensure that their partner drivers understand existing regulations, particularly provisions requiring them to provide safe, reliable, and convenient public land transportation services.
