Earlier this week, people have said that it would be almost impossible to book a Grab or Uber starting July 26, 15 days after the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) issued an order for both services to stop drivers without a certificate of public convenience or provisional authority from operating. To give you some perspective, only 3,000 drivers are authorized by the LTFRB.
However, it’s worth noting that the agency has stopped issuing new driver applicants for over a year now.
The news has angered many Filipino commuters, and surprisingly, even celebrities. They shared how Grab and Uber have made traveling around Metro Manila easier, considering the dangers of riding a bus, a jeep, or a regular taxi.
Check out some of the celebrities who are voicing their concerns over LTFRB’s decision:
Coleen Garcia
I used to ride regular taxis alone every single day to get around, and on most days, they did NOT make me feel safe. #WeWantUberGrab
— Coleen Garcia (@coleengarcia) July 17, 2017
In fact, I always tell the story of how I almost got kidnapped while riding a taxi alone, in the middle of EDSA. #WeWantUberGrab
— Coleen Garcia (@coleengarcia) July 17, 2017
Used to ride w drivers who didn’t make me feel safe. Some were rude & obnoxious, some cat-called, some demanded more money. #WeWantUberGrab
— Coleen Garcia (@coleengarcia) July 17, 2017
Über and Grab have made commuting so much safer, easier, and more convenient. Anyone who actually uses them would know. #WeWantUberGrab
— Coleen Garcia (@coleengarcia) July 17, 2017
Not an endorser but I’ve personally experienced their convenience &good service. HOW are they not safer? I don’t understand. #WeWantUberGrab
— Coleen Garcia (@coleengarcia) July 17, 2017
Not generalizing all taxis & not saying that all Ü/G drivers r safe &trustworthy. All I’m saying is, pls give us the option. #WeWantUberGrab
— Coleen Garcia (@coleengarcia) July 17, 2017
We’d know what makes us feel safe, & Über&Grab do. If ur gonna ask anyone, then ask those who have experienced using both. #WeWantUberGrab
— Coleen Garcia (@coleengarcia) July 17, 2017
Megan Young
I use Uber and Grab because I love the service they provide. If public transportation were more efficient, I’d use it! #WeWantGrabUber
— Megan Young (@meganbata) July 18, 2017
Enchong Dee
Pera Pera nalang???? pic.twitter.com/22uYvum93r
— Enchong Dee (@enchongdee777) July 17, 2017
Sen. Sonny Angara
Currently inquiring from @Ltfrb why the need to place a small cap on # of uber/grab drivers. Big pool of drivers better for riding public
— Sonny Angara (@sonnyangara) July 18, 2017
Inigo Pascual
So they apparently want to take these two away?
Well they just keep pullin us down huh?
Wag tayo pahatak dyan.
Fight for it#WeWantGrabUber— Iñigo Dôm Pascual ???? (@ImPascualInigo) July 18, 2017
DJ Tony Toni
#WeWantGrabUber I’m sure if the masses could afford to take grab/Uber daily to work they would! Buses and Taxi’s aren’t a safer option
— TonyToni (@djtonytoni) July 18, 2017
Benjamin Alves
Yeah it isn’t as safe as a taxi, bus, or jeepney. It’s safer.
— BENJAMIN ALVES (@benxalves) July 17, 2017
Rex Intal
LTFRB banning Uber bec its against the law?
The law should be for the benefit of the people.
Banning Uber would be for the benefit of LTFRB— Rex Intal (@rexintal) July 17, 2017
Saab Magalona
When the government says that buses and taxis are safer than Uber and Grab, you know for a fact they don’t know shit.
— Saab (@saabmagalona) July 17, 2017
Kelsey Merritt
Can’t believe the LTFRB has the audacity to ban the one thing that’s functional in this country.
— Kelsey Merritt (@kelsmerritt) July 17, 2017
David Guison
Grab and Über have made commuting so much easier (and SAFER) for a lot of us. Let’s keep it that way @LTFRB
— David Guison (@davidguison) July 17, 2017
Camille Co
So much BS. This move by LTFRB towards Uber and Grab is corruption at its finest. #WeWantUberGrab
— Camille Co (@itscamilleco) July 17, 2017
Patty Tiu
I don’t care if you have a car, you commute or whatever!!! But once, twice, thrice in your lives #Grab or #Uber definitely saved u! @LTFRB
— DEUCE (@PattyTiu) July 18, 2017
LA Aguinaldo
.@LTFRB PLS READ YOUR VISION-MISSION CAREFULLY AND WITH FEELINGS TNX pic.twitter.com/Cu3Bi9Hfae
— LA (@LAAGUINALDO) July 17, 2017
Alex Diaz
Taxi’s and Jeepneys more safe than Grab/Uber?? pic.twitter.com/5zLt2Bd0s7
— △lexander ♚ (@alexandermcdizz) July 18, 2017
Jameson Blake
I never felt as safe when transporting. Think twice @LTFRB #WeWantGrabUber
— Jameson Blake (@Hashtag_Jameson) July 18, 2017
If you want to make your voice heard, use the hashtags #ImWithGrab, #WeWantGrabUber, and #ISupportTNCs on social media, and make sure to sign the petition for LTFRB to lift the Grab and Uber suspension!
