Grab to pay Php 5 million to customers

The Philippines' antitrust body has ordered Grab to refund a total of around Php 5. 05 million to its customers. Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) issued the order to the ride-hailing app as the latter was  "overcharging" customers who used their service between February and May 2019. Aside from the Php 5 million, PCC Chair Arsenio Balisacan said that Grab also has other penalties such PHP 11.3 million and for the first quarter, PHP 7.1 million for the second quarter. For its part, Grab said in its will be complying with the PCC order on the said deviations for their third quarter. Although, the company maintained that fare matrix set by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB). We respect the PCC and its mandate to protect the consumers in the Philippines and create a healthy competitive environment. Grab Philippines has worked closely with the PCC to form and finalize these voluntary commitments," they said in a statement issued Monday. "The antitrust body has identified certain deviations from Grab's voluntary commitments, and based on the recent order from the PCC, Grab will be paying a total computed amount of PhP 5,050,000 to the passengers who took Grab rides from February until May 2019." "Grab Philippines maintains its compliance with the LTFRB's fare matrix and will work closely with the PCC in implementing the agreed mechanics for the payment, which will be communicated to the public at least five (5) days before paying," the company added. In conclusion, the transport network company said that they look" forward to fulfilling these voluntary commitments with the guidance and oversight of the PCC."