After PCC order to continue service, LTFRB tells Uber to stop ops on April 16

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Wednesday ordered ride-hailing service firm Uber to "cease and desist" its operation in the country as a transport network company (TNC) on April 16.

LTFRB's order came just days after the Philippine Competition Commission ordered Uber to continue its operations pending the PCC's review of the integration of its services with erstwhile rival Grab.

"The Board understands your predicament. The soonest possible time that you will be able to resolve your concerns with PCC the better," LTFRB board member Aileen Lizada said at a hearing.

"Therefore in the interest of the riding public, we are giving you until April 15 to operate as a TNC. Upon April 16, you cease and desist to exist as a TNC," she added.

Uber has agreed to sell its Southeast Asian business to Grab, resulting in an operational merger in the Philippines.

The PCC on its own started a review as regards to the implications of the deal on commuters.

It said Uber, which exited the market due to financial incapacity, could still continue its operations while the agency was conducting the review.

Grab has said it would shoulder Uber's expenses until April 15.

Lawyers representing Uber said that the company would not withdraw its petitions seeking accreditation and fare hike before the LTFRB due to the order of the PCC to "remain a separate business" while the motu proprio review was ongoing.

The lawyers said that Uber would take up the matter with the PCC.

In January, both Grab and Uber filed a petition for a fare increase with the LTFRB, citing the inflationary impact of higher excise tax rates on petroleum products due to the tax reform law. —NB, GMA News