Grab, Uber told to keep apps

The Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) has directed Grab and Uber to continue operating their apps independently despite the scheduled termination of the Uber app next week.

This developed during the public hearing held regarding Grab’s takeover of Uber in Southeast Asia.

PCC is reviewing the deal for possible anticompetitive concerns.

To preserve the integrity of the review, PCC is imposing interim measures, including the continued coexistence 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 during the hearing.

Grab and Uber representatives noted during the hearing that Uber had already left its markets in Southeast Asia.

On the sidelines of the hearing, PCC Chair Arsenio Balisacan told reporters that it was still possible to force the company to go back.

He also said the Philippine Competition Act allows the government agency to unbundle a deal. —ROY STEPHEN C. CANIVEL