Solon urges Grab to refund alleged P1.8 billion ‘overcharged’ fare

A party-list lawmaker on Tuesday urged Grab Philippines to refund some P1.8 billion to its patrons because of alleged overcharging.

In a television interview, PBA party-list Representative Jericho Nograles said his research shows that Grab has been illegally charging its customer P2 per minute of travel time even contrary to the firm's claim that it does not charge per minute.

This is already on top of its flagdown rate of P40 and charging P10 to P14 per kilometer.

"Grab charges P2 per minute illegally. They're not allowed to charge P2 per minute. The LTFRB (Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board) has not allowed them to charge P2 per minute but they have charged P2 per minute to everyone," he said.

Nograles said for the past five months, Grab has already overcharged its customers about P1.8 billion.

"The LTFRB should impose a refund. Otherwise, they are liable to graft," he said.

Nograles also said Grab has deceived the public by claiming that it does not impose extra charges for travel time unlike regular taxi services.

GMA News Online is still trying to reach Grab for comment.

The lawmaker showed his Grab receipt stating the breakdown of his fare, which includes a P55 additional charge for 27.5 minutes of travel time.

Aside from this, Nograles also questioned Grab's merger with Uber Philippines

He said Grab could be held liable for violating the Philippine Competition Act because it is "leading to a virtual monopoly."

Grab, Nograles said, should be abiding by the Philippine Competitive Commission's decision requiring grab to continue its operations.

But contrary to the PCC's position, he said that Grab has already taken over Uber's operation.

"Ano ang ibig, sabihin niyan? Monopoly," Nograles said.

Grab on Monday said that it is willing to shoulder Uber's expenses to continue operating only until April 15. — MDM, GMA News