NextGen Day

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) said Monday that Grab has not yet refunded PHP19.3 million to eligible subscribers as a penalty for previous competition violations.

According to the PCC, Grab has released PHP6.15 million, or only 24 percent, of the total PHP25.45 million refund since 2019.

Grab was fined a total of PHP63.7 million by the PCC in 2018 for violating its voluntary commitments following its acquisition of Uber’s Southeast Asia operations, including the Philippines.

Grab then pledged not to engage in unreasonable pricing practices following its merger with the country’s largest competitor.

However, the PCC observed extraordinary pricing deviations following the transaction, prompting it to sanction the ride-hailing app operator.

“The penalties are in the form of refunds to serve as a reminder to Grab that any pricing or booking violation committed against passengers must be reimbursed. Grab should immediately issue refunds and maintain its commitments,” PCC chair Arsenio Balisacan stated.

Grab was ordered to refund PHP5.05 million in November 2019, PHP14.15 million in December 2019, and PHP6.25 million in October 2020 by the anti-trust body.

Additionally, the PCC discovered that the ride-hailing app requires additional steps for users to claim their refunds, which contributed to the refund’s low disbursement.

The agency stated that the refund should be reflected automatically in users’ GrabPay Wallets “without requiring users to take any action to claim the amount.”

“The PCC will continue to closely monitor Grab’s commitments to rein in the company’s dominance in the ride-hailing market. These safeguards are in place to prevent Grab from engaging in monopolistic behavior as a result of its undisputed market dominance,” Balisacan added.

Due to the PCC’s continued concerns about competition, Grab’s commitments have been updated and monitoring has been extended until next year.

“Over the years, the commitment measures have been intended to be temporary in nature, disciplining Grab while the market matures with the addition of new major players. A more long-term pro-competition solution here would be to open the market to additional transport network companies capable of competing on an equal footing with Grab,” the PCC chief added.

The PCC has directed Grab to complete the remainder of the refund by April 22.

Save/Share this story with QR CODE

---

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute endorsement of any specific technologies or methodologies and financial advice or endorsement of any specific products or services.

Need to get in touch?

Feel free to Contact NextGenDay.com for comments, suggestions, reviews, or anything else.

---

We appreciate your reading. Simple Ways To Say Thanks & Support Us:
1.) GIVE A TIP. Send a small donation thru Paypal
Your DONATION will be used to fund and maintain NEXTGENDAY.com
Subscribers in the Philippines can make donations to mobile number 0917 906 3081, thru GCash.
3.) BUY or SIGN UP to our AFFILIATE PARTNERS.
4.) Give this news article a THUMBS UP, and Leave a Comment (at Least Five Words).

---

AFFILIATE PARTNERS

World Class Nutritional Supplements - Buy Highest Quality Products, Purest Most Healthy Ingredients, Direct to your Door! Up to 90% OFF.
Join LiveGood Today - A company created to satisfy the world's most demanding leaders and entrepreneurs, with the best compensation plan today.

---