MANILA: Senator Grace Poe encouraged concerned government agencies to take action against the alleged presence of fake drivers for ride-hailing apps since these could be used for other criminal purposes aside from overcharging commuters.

Poe made the statement in response to complaints on social media sites that private vehicle drivers were posing as the passengers' booked rides and then allegedly demanding a much higher fare.

She said that the police, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), and other concerned agencies must act quickly to implement measures to combat this illegal modus.

She also urged legitimate ride-hailing companies to collaborate with authorities in order to get rid of the fake ones that can affect their business.

Poe added that the working commuters should always feel safe on the road as they are forced to spend their hard-earned money to get to their destination or come home.

The LTFRB has warned the public to be on the lookout for the ride-hailing scam. It also warned the scammers and advised them that if they wanted to become a ride-hailing app driver and make money, they should instead apply for a franchise.

Photo from Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board Facebook page

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