On Wednesday, a UBER vehicle plying the Metrowalk area of Pasig City was apprehended by operatives of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) slapping its driver with a P200,000 fine for being "colorum" -- a vehicle operating as a public transport without government franchise.
The LTFRB said it will continue its crackdown on Uber vehicles, citing that under Philippine laws, those who want to offer public transport should first secure a franchise from the LTFRB.
The agency's statement came after acting on a complaint from the Philippine National Taxi Operators Association (PNTOA).
Commenting on the issue, Malacañang on Sunday said the government still needs to study how to address the problem.
“Perhaps we need to study this issue because this method of getting transportation used by our citizens is already being debated upon in other countries,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said.
He added that Uber has already caused massive protests in Europe because of the transport union’s opposition although it posed no problems in the United States.
“Here in our country, the LTFRB is looking into its implications because under our law, those who want to offer public transport should secure a franchise from the LTFRB. And the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is the LTFRB’s partner in implementing the law,” he explained.
The MMDA, however, expressed its support on the Uber app urging the LTFRB to find ways to “reasonably assist” Uber instead of cracking down on its operations for being a supposed conduit for colorum vehicles.
But LTFRB chair Winston Ginez maintained that the apprehension of colorum Uber vehicles would continue, saying the government “would not have any way of protecting individuals” who use vehicles not registered with the board.
For those who are still unfamiliar with the Uber app, it's generally a ride-sharing service that allows passengers to connect with drivers through a smartphone application.
It used to be popular in Europe until legitimate taxi operators opposed the service, claiming that it allows illegal taxicab operations. (Source: Inquirer)
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