Senator Raffy Tulfo is set to file a resolution to thoroughly investigate the purported price surge and other commuter complaints against Transportation Network Vehicle Services (TNVS), especially Grab Philippines, especially during this holiday season.
Tulfo, who chairs the Senate Committee on Public Services, said he wants to protect commuters' and drivers' rights.
The senator expressed concern over the spike in fees imposed by the TNVS, including Grab Philippines, saying some users of popular ride-hailing apps have noted the excessive amount of fees this month.
"Maraming reklamo ang nakarating sa akin mula sa mga pasaherong gumagamit ng Grab na ayon sa kanila, kasama sa sinisingil na pasahe ng nasabing ride hailing application ang napakalaking surge fee (I have received many complaints from passengers using Grab, who claim that the surge fee included in the fare charged by the ride-hailing application is excessively high)," he said.
To address the issue, Tulfo's office immediately coordinated with Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and asked what they are doing about it.
According to LTFRB, the agency has already conducted a series of hearings regarding the surge in TNVS fees during the holiday rush following complaints by some commuters and they are set to issue a draft resolution soon.
LTFRB will include their findings and all possible sanctions on violators in the said resolution, especially for those who failed to comply with the set fare rates for TNVS contained in their Memorandum Circular No. 2019-036.
Asked about the sanctions on transport network companies violating fare rates, LTFRB said they could face monetary penalties, suspension, or even cancellation of their franchise in accordance with Joint Administrative Order No. 2014-01.