During the hearing of the House committee on Metro Manila development on Wednesday, the groups Lawyers for Commuters Safety and Protection and Digital Pinoys said Grab's entry could result in fare hikes and the firm's "monopoly" of the motorcycle ride-hailing service.Company executives said Grab engages in legitimate and fair business, and looks after the welfare of its drivers and customers.
Gustilo recounted that his daily travel of 25 kilometers then costs from P200 to P250. It has now increased to P500 and during peak hours, the fare reaches P800. “Dun po kami medyo na mayroong agam-agam. Tatlo lang po yung na-accredit. Kapag nagkaroon po ng bago at ito po ay through acquisition of any of the three then it's a backdoor entrance. Hindi po dapat iyon dahil kinakailangan dumaan sa technical working group at committee,” Inton said.
“Regarding overcharging and shortchanging, Grab does not in anyway overcharge its customers nor shortchange the income of its driver partners and in fact Grab prides itself on its ability to create a balance and sustainable market place while offering competitive rates aligned with the needs and feedback of its driver and partners and merchant partners and consumer,” lawyer Katrisha Kok, legal counsel of Grab Philippines, said.
She said that Grab Philippines remained fully committed to protect the income of drivers and continues to engage its community of drivers on a shared mission of supporting their families through the livelihood opportunities offered on its platform amid COVID-19 pandemic. Grab Philippines senior director for operations and strategy Ronald Roda earlier said that Move It will not be merged with Grab, and it will continue to operate as aRoda declined to disclose the cost of the transaction. However, he said that the amount is below the PCC’s P1-billion threshold for compulsory notification of mergers and acquisitions.