Motorcycle ride-hailing firm Move It has tagged as “bullying” the order of the Department of Transportation's (DOTr) motorcycle taxi technical working group (TWG) to suspend its services in Grab Philippines’ platform.
In a strongly-worded statement issued on Thursday, Sept. 30, Move It said it was “frustrated and disappointed” with the suspension of its collaboration with Grab which only aims to provide additional mobility and means of livelihood for commuters and bikers amid the pandemic.
“This suspension was orchestrated by a number of stakeholders in the motorcycle taxi pilot against Move It – the smaller player in the pilot," it said.
"We strongly condemn this maneuvering by other stakeholders resulting to this suspension as it is anti-consumer, anti-Filipino, and is tantamount to bullying,” it added.
Move It also maintained that it has been transparent with the TWG and other stakeholders about its collaboration with Grab.
“Our partnership has gone through several rounds of discussions with the TWG where all of their concerns were addressed. So bakit ngayong naka-launch na kami, at saka kami ipapa-suspend (Why are they suspending us after we have already launched)?" the firm asked.
While Move It did not name the stakeholders who complained on the partnership, other players in the government’s motorcycle pilot study include Angkas and JoyRide.
"Mahirap na po ang buhay kaya dapat tayong magtulungan—at hindi naman po masama ang humingi ng tulong (Life is very difficult right now so we have to work together—and it is not bad to ask for help),” it added.
For its part, Grab Philippines said it is currently in talks with transport regulators, adding that it is optimistic that the partnership will be allowed again soon.
"Grab is committed to empowering local businesses, and our partnership with Move It is consistent with our ongoing efforts to help everyday entrepreneurs thrive and succeed," the ride-hailing giant said.
"As a community partner, Grab Philippines will continue to do right by our consumers and partners, encourage constructive dialogue using facts and objective information, and help contribute to the recovery of our transportation industry,” it added.