Grab, Uber ordered to continue apps operations beyond April 8 merger

The Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) is imposing on Grab and Uber to continue operating their apps independently in spite of a scheduled termination of the Uber app next week.

This developed during the public hearing held regarding Grab’s takeover of Uber here and in Southeast Asia. PCC is pursuing a review on the deal for possible anti-competitive concerns.

To preserve the integrity of the review, PCC is imposing interim measures. This includes the continued co-existence of both apps, in spite of Uber’s scheduled end of services on April 8.

“We will impose the Uber and Grab apps would continue to operate beyond April 8 and that they would be operated independently,” said Commissioner Stella Alabastro Quimbo.

This is just one of many interim measures. It remains to be seen whether or not this takes effect, given that Uber and Grab would have to agree on the measures.

Calling it unnecessary, Grab and Uber representatives noted during the hearing that Uber has already left their markets here in Southeast Asia. In other words, they said that there is no one to man the app under the interim measure.