By HANNAH L. TORREGOZA
Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito said yesterday he would call for a meeting between the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS) management handling Grab and Uber to resolve the issue on the agency’s imposition of a service ban.
Ejercito said he hopes to “mediate a solution” for the benefit of the riding public who are now growing accustomed to the transportation services offered by the two ride-sharing companies.
“I will call for a meeting to mediate and come up with a compromise for both parties before July 26,” Ejercito said in a statement.
“I am not siding with anyone on this issue. What’s important to consider here is the convenience and safety of the riding public,” he said.
Ejercito, vice chair of the Senate committee on public services, vowed the committee, “would consider all remedies without disregarding the law.”
The lawmaker said LTFRB, Grab, and Uber should not only reach a compromise, but also act on their shortcomings in making public transportation more convenient and safe for the public.
“In the first place, LTFRB has to put in mind why these TNVS are thriving. Grab and Uber offer far better and more convenient services than regular taxis,” Ejercito pointed out.
“Ngayong may maayos naman na serbisyo na inoffer sa publiko, pipigilan naman ng LTFRB,” he lamented.
Ejercito said he hopes the LTFRB employs the same fervor in regulating abusive taxis the same way it is calling the attention of Grab and Uber.
“Kung ganito kayo kaingay at kadesididong patawan ng service ban ang Grab at Uber, dapat ganito rin ang aksyon ninyo sa mga reklamo sa regular taxis!” Ejercito told LTFRB officials.
Nevertheless, he said Grab and Uber should immediately comply with the requirements to ensure the safety of their riders.
Sen. Sonny Angara joined the fray and said he too is concerned with the ongoing issue between the LTFRB and ride-sharing companies, saying he hopes that both parties would come up with a compromise pact at the soonest time possible.