THIS is an issue on fairness.

Why is the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) allocating 100,000 Transportation Network Vehicles Service (TNVS) to only one company?

A network of digital advocates are claiming of a ‘favor’ extended by LTGRB to transport network firm Grab.

Is Grab pushing for market domination after it pledged investments to the government?

The pledge and the franchise allotment are raising a lot of eyebrows, prompting calls for the government to ensure that fair competition is upheld, even in the allocation of franchises.

Digital Pinoy National Campaigner Ronald Gustilo asked why the LTRFB is giving Grab the whole 100,000 new franchises when complaints against Grab’s overpricing are still pending.

Indeed, why is LTFRB giving Grab special treatment when it is taking them too long to decide on complaints against the overpricing and surge pricing abuse allegedly committed by the company?

LTFRB should first decide on the pending complaints before handing out new franchises. Otherwise, It would appeat LTFRB is tolerating questionable practices.

LTFRB’s mandate on the allocation of franchises to Grab for motorcycle taxi companies was also questioned.

Digital Pinoy said LTFRB has no sole jurisdiction in the issuance of permit to operate for the motorcycle taxi.

Moreso, Grab is not a participant of the motorcycle taxi pilot program. Only the technical working group, which LTFRB is only a part of, can decide on this matter.

Furthermore, allowing entry for another entity while the program is ongoing will only prolong the study being conducted by Congress and other agencies.

The government should also assist other transport network companies that can fill the gap in demand.

The bottom line is that the government should give equal support to all TNCs. This will encourage competition, which will be good for the economy and the passengers.

Strong competition will help level the playing field, improve services and pave the way for affordable fare prices for passengers.

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