PCC Clears Grab-Uber Merger, Grab Vows to Follow Commitments

The Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) on Friday, August 10, approved the legality of the Grab-Uber merger, but imposed requirements for the existing entity. This as Grab Philippines assured that it will abide by the voluntary commitments that it has told the anti-trust body. Brian Cu, Grab Philippines' country head , expressed its gratitude to PCC "for recognizing the legality of the deal that transpired between Grab and Uber last March 26, 2018" and "accepting Grab's voluntary commitments that considers the uniqueness of the Philippine ride-hailing landscape." "We are happy that the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) has recognized the legality of Grab's deal with Uber in Philippines and accepted Grab's voluntary commitments. (The) PCC's pro-innovation approach and forward-looking decision sets a strong example for other regulators examining the Grab-Uber deal, and encourages fair competition and a level playing field that ultimately benefits consumers and drivers. As we move forward to become an everyday app that serves the daily essential needs of people in Southeast Asia, we will continue to stay focused on serving the best interests of our consumers and partners," said Cu. Cu added that Grab has always prioritized consumers and partners. "As we move forward to become an everyday app that serves the daily essential needs of all Filipinos, we emphasize our commitment to further uphold our service quality and continuously provide our consumers and partners fair and transparent operations." The Grab Philippines chief said that the company will "work with the PCC in appointing an independent Monitoring Trustee to monitor Grab's compliance with the Voluntary Commitments," saying that it will regularly submit monthly reports to the PCC for the next 12 months. In line with the ruling of the anti-trust commission, Grab Philippines vowed to follow its voluntary commitments such as adherence to industry standards on non-exclusivity arrangements between transport network vehicle service (TNVS) providers and drivers and operators, upholding service quality, and transparency of fares. In line with the adherence to industry standards, Cu claimed that Grab Philippines respects the rules and regulations set by the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on the universality of the common supply base of registered TNVS. "We honor our partners' freedom to choose their preferred TNC amongst the current players. Much as we respect the freedom of our partners to choose, we also believe that they should be empowered to decide for their future by joining the TNC they can work with best," Cu said. Cu added that since the implementation of "Better Trips: 100 days campaign" last May 8, Grab rolled out activities to enhance driver service quality and welfare, provide better ride experience, and upgrade customer support. "While we wait for (the) LTFRB to maximize the current supply cap, Grab also strives to improve driver acceptance rate, overall trip allocation rate, and provide quick response to feedback," he noted. Further, Grab promised that it will ensure the provision of trip receipts with clear fare breakdown per trip as part of its commitment for transparency to its consumers. Grab shall also ensure to keep fares within reasonable price range, aligned with the approved LTFRB fare structure. Cu also urged the LTFRB to maximize the current supply cap to allow a wider TNVS community for the new players in TNC industry. "This way, the new TNCs will be given opportunity to offer what they can to all TNVS operators and drivers and further improve the transport industry," Cu concluded.