Grab slams critic’s claims of overcharging

MANILA, Philippines — Ride-hailing giant Grab Philippines pushed back anew against allegations of overcharging made by a leading critic, PBA Rep. Jericho Nograles, whom it accused of being “obsessed with putting down Grab at every opportunity without any basis.”

In a statement, Grab said it remained compliant with the fare matrix mandated by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) as follows: P40 flagdown, P15/km, and P2/minute with a 2x surge rate.

Nograles earlier claimed that Grab should have been fined P15 billion after “(making) a direct admission of 3 million offenses (of overcharging),” referring to the 3 million passengers covered by the P5 million refund as imposed by the Philippine Competition Commission.

“Under the Joint Administrative Order 2014-01, each offense merits a fine of P5,000. Therefore, Grab should be liable for P15 billion worth of fines,” Nograles said in a statement.

Grab Philippines president Brian Cu said the lawmaker’s claims “have no basis, (and his) statements are incorrect, misleading, irresponsible and will only hurt the morale of drivers who only want to make a decent living by serving the riding public.

“(Nograles’) antics would not benefit the riding public and drivers. Why he continues to do so remains a mystery.”