LTFRB dismisses 15,000 franchise applications for Uber and Grab

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Thursday said that more than 15,000 franchise applications for the app-based ride hailing services Uber and Grab have been dismissed.

"Nakapag-dismiss na kami ng more than 15,000 TNVS (Transport Network Vehicle Service) out of the 32,000 applications," LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra said during a dialogue with TNVS operators in Quezon City.

Incomplete requirements and the non-appearance of applicant during the hearings prompted the board to dismiss the applications, Delgra noted.

"We will upload the list of dismissed cases sa LTFRB website, hopefully next week," he added.

Delgra made the statement after TNVS operators asked when the LTFRB intends to lift the suspension for new applications.

The LTFRB had issued Memorandum Circular No. 2016-008, directing its technical division and all regional offices not to accept any TNVS application.

"There is no target date yet when the suspension will be lifted," Delgra said. "But when that happens, changes will have to be made."

He noted that there will be changes on the rules and regulations concerning TNVS.

However, the LTFRB chair said the agency cannot yet determine when it can develop concrete rules and regulations as the board is still waiting for Grab and Uber's position papers.

"The deadline for Grab and Uber to submit their position papers is on January 6," Delgra said.

LTFRB board member Aileen Lizada noted that those whose applications were dismissed may apply for a motion for reconsideration.

"Make sure na complete na requirements niyo. Um-attend kayo ng hearing, but it's still a case-to-case basis," Lizada said.

During the dialogue, TNVS operators and drivers asked the LTFRB if the 45-day provisional authority (PA) to operate as TNVS, while waiting for the final decision on the franchise application, can be extended.

"Pwedeng mag-renew pag na-expire na 'yung PA, until such time na lumabas 'yung final decision," Delgra said.

The LTFRB chair reminded TNVS operators and drivers that failure to get registered to the board or securing a PA is a violation.

"Walang PA? walang franchise? Colorum!" he said.

Delgra noted that there are only 2,800 registered TNVS in the LTFRB and 1,500 have PAs.

Philippine Transport Network Organization president Ivan Kloud thanked the officials of the LTFRB for holding the dialogue with TNVS operators and drivers.

"Sa dialogue na ito, ang LTFRB talagang ginabayan nila kami at malinaw na sa amin kung ano 'yung mga process na kailangan namin gawin sa PA namin, sa franchise namin," Kloud said. — VS/BM, GMA News