GRACE POE ON LTFRB DECISION RE UBER

I welcome the decision of the LTFRB to penalize Uber with a fine instead of having it serve the remainder of its 30-day suspension. The payment of a hefty P190 million penalty as a pre-condition before it can resume operations should be enough to make Uber rethink its actions and reevaluate its strategy in testing the extent of government regulations. Likewise, I welcome the P20 million financial assistance Uber has to pay its drivers daily, which also serves as a form of penalty.

However, I am quite disappointed that the LTFRB decision was issued late Friday afternoon, effectively taking out any opportunity for Uber to pay the penalties.

It is frustrating to think that we have a long weekend ahead of us and people will have to suffer the inconvenience of having limited transportation choices in going around the Metro with their families. How will Uber be able to immediately comply with the LTFRB decision given that banks are closed during the weekend?

If the LTFRB had allowed Uber to operate right away, then this could have served as a great relief to our people, most of whom rely on TNVS due to the comfort, reliability, and safety they provide.