LTFRB denies Uber's appeal of one month suspension

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Tuesday denied Transport Network Company (TNC) Uber Systems, Inc. its appeal of the one month suspension of its accreditation.

"The Board expressly directed that there shall be No Acceptance of additional application for accreditation of Transport Network Vehicles Service (TNVS). The mere acceptance, much less, receipt and evaluation of documents submitted Applicants for accreditation is tantamount to a direct violation of the Order dated 26 July 2017," the LTFRB said on its order dated August 15.

Uber said in its motion for reconsideration that there was "misappreciation of the term active," saying that it does not necessarily mean that Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) drivers can already operate as this merely means that "documents have been submitted and evaluated."

However, the LTFRB said this meant that Uber was still accepting applications despite its "plain and clear directive" on July 26, ordering suspension on accepting and activating additional TNVS applications.

"The public statement by Respondent USI openly admitting that they were still accepting applications simply become a declaration against interest," it added.

The dismissal means that vehicles picking up Uber passengers will be apprehended.

?"The Order denying the MR uber was already served late this afternoon. The apprehension of colorum Uber TNVS will continue," LTFRB chairman Martin Delgra III said in a text message to reporters.

In a separate text message to reporters, LTFRB board member Atty. Aileen Lizada said that the order has been sent to the Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Land Transportation Office (LTO), and the Philippine National Police - Highway Patrol Group.

The LTFRB on Monday suspended the accreditation of Uber for a month, ordering it to "cease and desist its operation on their online booking application during the period of suspension."

Uber temporarily went offline on Tuesday, before immediately resuming its operations after it filed its motion for reconsideration at the LTFRB at 10:25 a.m.

This came after Uber continued to accept and activate additional accreditation of TNVS despite the LTFRB order.

In a statement, Uber said it was disappointed with the decision and will comply with the order.

"We look forward to urgently resolving this matter, and thank the public for its support over the last 24 hours," it added. 

The ride-sharing app halted operations anew at around 7:17 p.m. —JST, GMA News