Uber mulls giving compensation to affected drivers, as LTFRB stands by order to suspend the TNC for 1 month

Uber’s Mike Brown speaking to reporters after the meeting with LTFRB officials on Wednesday. /Meanne Corvera/ Eagle News Service/

(Eagle News) — Uber on Wednesday opened the possibility of providing compensation to its aggrieved drivers following the transport network company’s suspension for “indisputable” violations.

“The details need to be worked out, but we are very willing to work with the (Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board)…,” Uber Regional General Manager Mike Brown said when asked about the possibility of giving its drivers financial remuneration.

Brown, who had just attended a meeting with LTFRB officials when interviewed, said Uber  “take(s) responsibility for any misunderstanding.”

The meeting was arranged by Senator Grace Poe, chair of the Senate committee on public services, to iron out any issues in connection with Uber’s suspension.

The LTFRB was represented by LTFRB Chair Martin Delgra and Board Member Aileen Lizada, while Brown was accompanied by Uber Regional Regulatory Lead Ben Brooks, Uber Philippines General Manager Laurence Cua and Uber Philippines Government Relations and Public Policy head Yves Gonzales.

“So if we can pay a fine as part of rectifying what happened, because our top priority is to get drivers back on the roads to serve the Philippines,” Brown said.

Suspension stands

He made the comment right after the LTFRB stood by its decision to suspend Uber for one month, after the transport network company “openly defied” the agency’s order for it to desist from accepting more drivers for accreditation.

Uber filed a motion for reconsideration on the order to suspend, but this was junked by the LTFRB.

Prior to this, Uber and another TNC, Grab, were ordered to pay a P5-million fine for violations that include the deployment of colorum vehicles to the streets.

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