Uber Phillipines Files for Accreditation

MANILA: The deadline of August 21 is still away and the Uber has already filed application for accreditation as a Transport Network Company. Now that's like a responsible modern transport service brand. This positive step of Uber will not only help it to continue its services in the city of Filipinos but also reflects an important learning for multinational companies that it is hard to live in Rome and fight with pope.

“Over the past few months, Uber has been preparing our submission for TNC accreditation with the expert guidance of the DOTC and the LTFRB. Today, we can confirm that Uber's application has been submitted and has been well-received by the authorities. Since the beginning, Uber has always had one goal--to provide access to reliable, affordable and safe transportation options anytime and anywhere to all Filipinos at the push of a button, and we look forward to the continued support and leadership of the government of the Philippines in achieving this”, said the General Manager of Uber's local office.

Uber's Side

This entire issue of lagging in time for applying to what Uber themselves called as “historic and progressive ride sharing regulations”, can be seen in this way that being late does not brighten the intentions of being illegitimate. Moreover, Uber will surely love to have the TNC status and experience the upscaling of their services.

Philippine Government's View

It can be said that the government showed a bit eagerness to have its share of pie wherein government just wanted these services to be regulated as early as possible, so that they can collect taxes (their rightful share) from these service providers. Moreover, even LTFRB should not be painted as evil and greedy because it's their job to systematize the Philippine mobility scenario wherein even they understand that curtailing such services would be a big hamper to the overall growth of the country.

No story is complete without a twist. So, why should this one? Here, presenting the TWIST of this tale!

The guidelines regarding a new program, Premium Taxi (PT) surfaced at the same time when the social media was heated with Uber V/s LTFRB. This annoyed the citizens further who thought it as a trick of government to kill the popular app-based commuting services and showed their anger in the form of hailstorm on social sites. What revealed later by the LTFRB's chairman is that the PT is not created to compete with Uber rather it is something like a luxury taxi fleet, owned by operators with all GPS, and receipt printing system. The PT fleet will not be more than seven years old and will hopefully ease out the day-to day mobility woes of every Filipino.

So, will PT be a substitute or complement, will be known once it is on road but till that time the Uber  should really enjoy its status in the city and also simultaneously prepare for the fight that awaits in the near future.