Here’s a timeline of Uber’s turbulent history in the PH

Yesterday, the LTFRB conducted a sting operation against one of Uber’s drivers, impounding the vehicle for three months and levying a steep Php 200,000 fine. The hi-tech service was hounded by the LTFRB from its inception in the PH up to the actual sting operation that was conducted yesterday at the Quezon Memorial Circle.

Feb 11, 2014 – Uber Launches in the PH

Uber officially launched in the PH on Feb 11 early this year, and right at the start it seemed like the LTFRB didn’t want the app to operate in the PH without proper franchising. It, along with ridesharing app Tripid, was hit by LFTRB for allegedly violating the country’s public service law.

“We will contact them to stop them and they will be called to a public hearing and be issued a show-cause order,” LTFRB chair Winston Ginez told InterAksyon.com.

“They are a public service and they have to secure a franchise. What they are doing is a criminal violation of the public service law. They are reckless and they should have consulted us first,” Ginez added.

August 15, 2014 – Local taxi industry files complaint with LTFRB

Speaking at a dinner attended by Philippine Star editors last August 15 2014, LTFRB chairman Winston Ginez said that Uber Philippines have been summoned by his agency to respond to the complaints of the local taxi industry for its “colorum” operations in the Metro.

“We needed someone to file a complaint first,” Ginez said.

The move isn’t surprising, as Uber has also been involved in other legal suites filed by taxi companies in the US and other countries.

October 23, 2014 – LTFRB conducts sting operation against Uber driver

Yesterday, the LTFRB conducted a sting operation against one of their drivers for colorum violations. The complainant booked a trip using Uber to Metrowalk in Pasig City to the Quezon Memorial Circle and paid Php 350 according to Dennis Barrion, chief of staff of LTFRB’s Executive Director Roberto Cabrera.

The driver of the Black Toyota Fortuner with plate number WII 360 was apprehended by waiting enforcers of the LTFRB and the LTO, and his license confiscated and the vehicle impouded for franchise violation.

Under Joint Administrative Order 2014-01, a colorum van faces a penalty of P200,000.

According to Ginez, the operation wasn’t aimed at Uber, but at the vehicle that was used by the app.

“(Uber) doesn’t need to secure a franchise because it’s not a transport company, they don’t carry passengers. But through its application, private unlicensed vehicles are able to engage in public land transportation without securing a franchise from LTFRB,” Ginez said.

October 23, 2014 – MMDA issues statement regarding Uber

The MMDA has issued a statement about Uber, telling the LTFRB should stop apprehending vehicles operating for both Uber and Tripid.

“The muscle of the law and the procedural and technical arms of government agencies alone cannot resolve the lack of alternate means of transportation problem, they can only increase apprehension records,” MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said.

“Uber or carpooling is a well-meaning effort intended for public safety and convenience that’s why people are patronizing it. We cannot curtail their mobility rights,” he added.

October 23, 2014 – Uber responds to sting, calls it unfair

After news of the sting broke out, uber sent out this message to their partners:

Dear Partners,

One of our partner’s drivers was apprehended today in a sting operation by LTFRB in coordination with local media. We believe this was unfairly done.

As we have always assured you–and all our partners in the 220+ cities we operate in globally–we will support you and seek swift resolution to this incident. Ever since Uber launched in Manila almost a year ago to introduce the safest and most reliable way to get around the Metro, Filipino riders have unanimously rallied behind you by taking more and more trips with you every day.

If you find yourself in a similar situation, please contact us immediately at 09178295991. We invite you to come to the office Monday-Friday at 12AM for our daily partner info session if you have any questions or concerns.

Thank you and Uber on Uber Manila Team

October 23, 2014 – Uber asks netizens to share why they love Uber

In a blog post at Uber’s official website, Communications Lead – South Asia for Uber Karun Arya thanked the MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino for his positive comments towards Uber’s service, and asked Uber riders and patrons to share on social media #WHYIUBER, and encourages everyone to make their views and experiences on the app heard.