Philippine Congress seeks solution for Uber and Grab issues.

Brand logos of GrabTaxi and Uber applications.

The House Committee on Transportation deliberates House Bill 6009 or the Transport Network Services Act filed by siblings Jericho and Karlo Nograles.

Congressman Jericho Nograles said it is now the right time to classify transport network vehicle services (TNVS) like Grab and Uber.

“We will create a law to define ride-sharing, not as taxi,” he said.

Nograles believes that Congress should not ban ride-sharing in Metro Manila because the service is being patronized by around two million passengers.

He argued that Congress should have thought about the issue in the past two years.

“Two million is already 10% of the total number of people moving around Metro Manila and so it is already a necessity,” said Rep. Nograles.

He added that taxi cabs should receive the same compensation for ride-sharing services such as surcharges especially when traffic is heavy or during off-peak hours.

Through this, drivers need not ask for additional payment.

Meanwhile, the House committee is also planning to discuss if they will limit the number of operating TNVS.

Based on what transpired in the hearing, Uber, Grab and Uhop Philippines have over 125, 000 units.

This is higher than the 12,000 to 15,000 units per hour demand according to Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

“If that 100,000 [TNVS] will substitute 500,000 vehicles on the road, how can you debate on that when in fact, it helps reduce the traffic,” said Rep. Nograles.

The lawmaker wants the bill to be enacted before the end of the year.