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In the chaos that followed LTFRB’s announcement of its Aug 20-‘colorum’ crackdown and people finding out about the agency’s forthcoming ‘Premium Taxi’ service, comes this sober and sobering letter from UBER partners and drivers.
It’s not addressed to anyone in particular, but given it’s first point — they have four — we’re guessing it’s addressed to the Philippine government in general, and the Land Transportation Franchise and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) in particular.
They open by thanking the government for legalizing ridesharing in the Philippines, a very gracious move, if you ask us.
Then, they go one to their second point: reiterate that they are very much willing to comply, but here comes the meat of the story: they don’t understand what LTFRB wants to make them do.
“Even after we seek information and advice from the LTFRB Head Office, no one knows the guidelines to implement these memoranda. No one can explain to us and give us definitive answers about the requirements we need to submit and what these all means [sic] for us.”
Which brings them to their third point: They are asking for help and for more information. “Let us know who should help us. Would it be LTFRB? Would it be the TNCs? Because we are more than willing to cooperate and help. We just need guidance and information.”
Finally, they end the letter by thanking the commuting public for valuing UBER — an unnecessary point, really, because it’s actually the other way around: commuting public is grateful that there are people who’d go out to the jungle, brave the traffic, to help us get to where we’re supposed to be.
We’re hoping the LTFRB would prioritize giving the group the proper assistance and guidance beforebuilding another thing to look after. Yes, we mean the Premium Taxi service. We mean, why not give this one a chance, right? It’s already here.
