Senator Poe thumbs down ‘unconscionable’ 2% hike in Grab’s commission rate

MANILA: Senator Grace Poe urged concerned agencies to intervene and look into Grab Philippines' proposal to increase its commission rate by 2%.

After months of forums and consultations, the drive- and delivery-hailing app recently announced that it has co-developed a performance-based commission scheme with its driver partners.

The commission rate increase will be implemented starting December 1.

Currently, Grab charges a maximum commission of 20% for each booking.

In a press statement, Poe argued that the idea is “unconscionable,” especially given the country's current economic situation.

“Every peso that drivers and riders earn comes from hard work poured to bring passengers home or delivery parcels right at our doorsteps,” she stated.

The senator said that increasing benefits and social protection for the drivers would be better than reducing their earnings.

“As vital frontliners in the service sector, riders and drivers have helped keep the local economy going. They, too, long for an easy ride,” Poe added.

Laban TNVS President Jun De Leon recently said that his group hopes that Grab would hold the proposed commission increase because drivers and delivery riders are still recovering from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the frequent oil price hikes.

In addition, they urged the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board to oversee all commission hikes imposed by transport network vehicle service firms.

The group threatened to conduct a nationwide rally to protest Grab Philippines' plan and the continuing oil price hike.

In a statement, Grab Philippines guaranteed that despite challenging economic situations, it is still fully committed to protecting its partners' income.

“We continue to engage our community of partners on a shared mission of supporting their families through the livelihood opportunities offered by the Grab platform,” the company stated.

Photo by Avito Dalan/Philippine News Agency

Also read: Grab PH launches social protection program for drivers and delivery-partners