The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board announced the 1-month suspension of ride-hailing service Uber starting August 15, 6 a.m. The suspension comes after the network did not comply with an order by LTFRB to stop accepting new drivers into its platform.
According to an Inquirer report, LTFRB also advised Uber to provide financial assistance to their drivers during the suspension because the drivers would not have “suffered the current predicament were it not for the predatory actions of respondent Uber,” according to the official advisory.
Uber Suspends Operations, Advises Clients
The network advised its clients through social media and email about the suspension. In their message, they said that they are complying with the ruling but are hopeful that they will resolve the issue soon. They also apologize for the inconvenience this suspension will cause the riding public.
As of August 15 in the morning, the Uber app also showed the message “Uber is no longer available.” The suspension will continue until September 15.
Netizens Enraged
The announcement of the suspension brought on a storm of angry comments and tirades on Twitter. With the hashtag Uber and LTFRB trending, netizens could not help but share their thoughts about it.
Raissa Robles tweeted how commuters will be the worst hit with the suspension: “With Uber, at least commuters had a chance in hell of going from QC to Makati and Las Pinas. Now COMMUTERS ONLY HAVE HELL.”
One Twitter user also asked: “Predatory actions of Uber? Or yours?” Another netizen tweeted: “Taxi drivers have “predatory practices” esp during -ber months but LTFRB never banned them?”
Yet another Twitter user sums up what the riding public will have to deal with without Uber: “LTFRB: “Taxis are unsafe. Buses cause traffic. MRT keeps breaking down. Hmm.. Let’s cancel UBER!”
Senator Grace Poe: LTFRB’s Decision Is “Cruel And Absurd”
Senator Grace Poe who is a member of the Senate Committee on Public Services issued a statement calling the decision “cruel and absurd.” She says it “does not solve the problem, but further exacerbates it” because it takes away “safe, reliable and convenient transportation options” from the public.
She also slammed the agency for not thinking of a more “innovative” penalty that did not affect thousands of commuters as well as thousands of Uber drivers who earn a living through this transport service. Finally, she promises to call LTFRB to a meeting on August 16 to address this urgent public issue.