At a recent hearing conducted by the House of Representatives, legislators said transport network companies (TNCs) like Grab and Uber must secure a congressional franchise to operate their services in the country.
Catanduanes lone district Rep. Cesar Sarmiento said House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez has put forth the position that all TNCs should get a congressional franchise.
Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Rodel Batocabe also expressed support for the proposal of Alvarez that Uber and Grab must be subject to a congressional franchise.
?They (Uber and Grab) cannot just operate without regulation, especially since their operation involves the protection and welfare of our people,? Batocabe said.
?They must come to Congress to operate this kind of technology,? Batocabe added.
Batocabe said in case of an accident or untoward incident, the passenger cannot file a case against Uber or Grab since it is not a carrier but only a technology platform.
?In case of accident, who do I file cases against? Who do I ran after for indemnity as a result of reckless driving? Who has the contract of carriage?? Batocabe asked.
Under the current rules, it is the transport network vehicle services (TNVS) provider or the partner-operator who are liable for accidents and not the TNCs such as Uber and Grab.
Batocabe said the transport business is imbued with public interest, so the government, through the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), must step in.
Batocabe likewise urged the LTFRB to strengthen its regulatory function so it can better enforce its policies and guidelines, especially in the case of Uber and Grab which, he said, are not motorized vehicles but only technology or digital platforms.
Negros Oriental third district Rep. Arnolfo Teves, meanwhile, said the LTFRB must come up with guidelines to ensure that Uber and Grab would be held liable in case an accident or untoward incident happens to their passenger.
Teves said the agency could exercise its regulatory powers in seeing to it that Uber and Grab follow LTFRB?s policies and guidelines.
Paranaque City second district Rep. Gus Tambunting raised concerns on the safety of passengers who ride Uber and Grab vehicles which ply the roads without permit.
