A LAWMAKER on Tuesday said transportation network service provider Grab should refund its customers P1.8 billion due to overcharging.
Party-list Rep. Jericho Nograles of the Puwersa ng Bayaning Atleta said, based on his research, Grab has been “illegally” charging its customers P2 per minute of travel time despite its public declarations and collaterals they are not making any per-minute charge.
“This is on top of its flagdown rate of P40 and charging P10 to P14 per kilometer,” Nograles added in a statement.
“The LTFRB [Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board] should impose a refund. Otherwise, they are liable to graft,” Nograles added.
Nograles said that for the past five months alone, Grab has already overcharged its customers P1.8 billion, saying this amount should be refunded to all Grab users.
“Grab charges its users P2 per minute illegally. They’re not allowed to charge P2 per minute. The LTFRB has not allowed them to charge P2 per minute, but they have charged P2 per minute from everyone,” Nograles said.
“I have calculated that in the past five months, they owe P1.8 billion to the riding public,” Nograles added.
Nograles said aside from the fact that this P2-per-minute additional charge was not approved by the LTFRB, Grab has also committed acts of deception by putting out online collaterals claiming that, unlike regular taxi services, they did not impose extra charges for travel time.
Also, he added that Grab could be liable for violating laws provided under Republic Act 10667, or the Philippine Competition Act, because its recent merger and acquisition of Uber Philippines is “leading to a virtual monopoly.”
Nograles said that for one, Grab should abide by the Philippine Competition Commission’s decision, which requires Uber to continue its operation.
Nograles added that contrary to the PCC’s position, Grab has taken over the operation of Uber, including the operation of its ride-hailing mobile application.
“That’s monopoly,” Nograles said.
Under the deal, Grab is taking all of Uber’s shares in Southeast Asia. In exchange, Uber will receive a 27.5-percent stake in Grab.
Image credits: Alysa Salen
1 comment
Is this solon joking? Grab has a Fixed rate before u ride, how can they charge per minute? Senators should be required at least have bachelors degree if not doctorate. its hard tna mga bobo ang mga lawmakers natin.