Uber’s not out of the woods yet
Even though Uber’s managed to settle its little tiff with the LTFRB, the innovative start-up isn’t out of danger yet. Solons in the House of Representative’s committee on transportation and committee on Metro Manila development insisted that Uber immediately cease its operations while the government figures if and how to regulate the new car sharing service.
During the meeting called by both committees, the solons also chastised the LTFRB for reaching an agreement with Uber, even though its partner vehicles are technically colorum vehicles with no franchise.
The problem raised by the solons is that Uber sets a new precedent if left unchecked – if Uber is allowed to operate with their partner vehicles (which are all private cars with green plates) – what stops other companies from doing the same? The solons also wanted to make it clear that they were not against the service itself, and are just ensuring the safety of the public.
“We’re not here to make it difficult for [services like Uber]. We’re just here to protect the people who will patronize it,” said Manila Representative Amado Bagatsing.
