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A network of digital advocates welcomed today the decision of the Philippine Competition Commission to penalize Grab Philippines for failing to fully comply to the agency’s refund order.

Digital Pinoys National Campaigner Ronald Gustilo said that the newly-imposed penalty should serve as a warning against companies ignoring penalties and sanctions imposed by the government. 

“Grab thought they can get away with the refund order by delaying the implementation. Its good that the PCC put Grab on notice and slapped them with another fine. You cannot just ignore these penalties and go on with your operations. You have to face the music.”

The Philippine Competition Commission imposed a P9 million fine on Grab Philippines after it failed to fully comply with the PCC’s P25.45 million refund order for overcharging its passengers. The new fine is on top of the P63.7 million worth of fines that the competition watchdog slapped on the TNVS giant after it acquired Uber.

Gustilo said that Grab should consider paying up the penalties on time and start playing it fair for its customers and its partner drivers and riders so they won’t find themselves looking at stiffer penalties. 

“Grab should just pay up immediately and do things fairly. They should realize by now that they are not untouchable and they have to follow the rules that safekeep the stakeholders of the industry they are operating.”

Result of LTFRB overpricing inquiry sought

Gustilo also said that with the recent development from the PCC, LTFRB should also release the decision on the investigation that LTFRB held last December. Grab was summoned by LTFRB due to overpricing allegations after charging P85 base fare for short trips. The approved base fare was P45 for sedans.

“LTFRB should release its decision soon because it has been six months since they had their proceedings. If the government really wants to create an environment where the welfare of the consumers are protected, they should resolve cases as soon as possible.”