LTFRB’s Delgra ‘not fully’ satisfied with Grab explanation on P2-per-minute charge

Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) chairman Martin Delgra III is "not fully" satisfied with the explanation of Grab Philippines on its P2-per-minute travel time charge following a hearing on Tuesday.

"Not fully, kasi meron pang mga tanong na hindi naisagot kaya pinagpaliban 'yung hearing for [May] 29," Delgra told reporters after the hearing at the LTFRB headquarters.

"Magandang pagkakataon na rin na i-explain ng Grab 'yung fare structure nila na actually, even before, hindi nabusisi ng masyado, ng maayos, lalo na 'yung nai-present ni Brian," he added, referring to Grab country head Brian Cu.

Delgra decided to hold another hearing on May 29 to give Grab time to explain when they imposed the P2-per-minute charge.

He also ordered Grab to explain the algorithm behind the fare, and why it charges riders a fee for inputting the same destination for their pick-up and drop-off points.

The LTFRB is currently deliberating on whether or not it will hold the travel time charge until the board has fully reviewed it.

He said the transport network company (TNC) must tread carefully with how it proceeds with charging its riders, adding a misstep may lead to it having to refund its customers.

"I can probably say that it will work both ways kasi if Grab will continue to do that, they run the risk of having to probably refund. Medyo mas malaki," Delgra said.

"At the same time, we have not made a decision yet naman, even in the interim," he added. "We can also issue an order addressing that."

PBA Representative Jericho Nograles, who initially accused Grab of "illegally" charging its riders, advocated for the TNC to refund P1.8 billion it allegedly overcharged riders.

Nograles found Grab's explanation sufficient for now, but insisted that the TNC must explain the algorithm they use in computing fares and why they have different fare schemes for their car services in the next set of hearings.

"I believe the board has to be very careful in its actions, so ultimately, okay na 'to," Nograles said. —KBK, GMA News