(UPDATED), 1st UPDATE. “Right now, all my office mates are going crazy [because] we’re getting late for our meetings or work,” Regine Sanchez, an account manager in a digital advertising agency said about her first day without the ride sharing app Uber.
Yesterday, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), the Philippine agency in charge of regulating public transportation suspended Uber’s operations for one month. Uber notified its users that this will be effective by 6am today.
This is the latest development in the long-standing dispute between the LTFRB and Uber. Earlier this month, Uber stopped accepting applications for new vehicles because of the same issue.
This has become a big issue in the Philippines where public transportation is viewed as limited, unreliable, and unsafe.
Sanchez said that her mom, a senior citizen, does not drive and also relies on Uber for her daily commute. “Imagine how worried I get if she doesn’t get an Uber. Or when she is forced to take a cab…with Uber, I have peace of mind for my mom.”
Other Filipinos voiced out similar sentiments online, making #Uber trend on Philippine Twitter.
so uber philippines is suspended effective today…. nICE JOB LTFRB u think taxis are safe GUESS WHAT NO
— les (@itsaboutphan) August 14, 2017
https://twitter.com/eXtra_Ryece/status/887123193323962368
Today, uber is down so I tried hailing a taxi.
First taxi: Ay traffic po papuntang Recto. *biglang alis
— Law Students of Manila (@LawStdntsofMNL) August 15, 2017
https://twitter.com/JesseSolis09/status/897278934340861953
They expect us to care about how Uber violated their regulations, when the LTFRB has been violating us for decades. 😏 #uberph @LTFRB
— Jessie ♡ (@_IcaFeliciano) August 14, 2017
https://twitter.com/coycordova/status/897236277497430016
https://twitter.com/arvinn_ong/status/897244617912926208
Uber said today that it will negotiate with the LTFRB and try to shorten the one-month suspension.
It reactivated its app this morning after filing a motion for reconsideration with the LTFRB. “This means that Uber’s operations will continue until the motion is resolved,” a Facebook post by Uber says.
https://www.facebook.com/uberpilipinas/photos/a.229471093890841.1073741828.219309621573655/777158965788715/?type=3&theater
CNN Philippines reported that drivers caught accepting passengers will have their cars impounded for three months and will to pay a PHP120,000 (USD2,336) fine.
