GRAB PHILIPPINES (MyTAXI.PH, Inc.) has called on ride-sharing services to share a common database of so-called “blacklisted” passengers, in the aftermath of the alleged carjacking incident that led to the murder of Grab driver Gerardo Maquidato,Jr.

The suspect eyed by Pasay City Police to be behind Mr. Maquidato’s killing on Oct. 26 is 25-year-old Narc Tulod Delemios, also known as “Miko” and Real Nikolo Delemios — Mr. Maquidato’s last passenger before he was found dead in Pasay City.

Grab country head Brian Cu said in a statement it is “high time” that transport network companies (TNCs) Grab and Uber Philippines (Uber Systems,Inc.) “join together and use the technology to promote the safety and welfare of drivers, as well as of the passengers.”

Mr. Cu said blacklisted passengers are those who have been reported to have committed verbal or physical harassment on drivers, as well as those who did not pay their transportation fares and those retching or urinating in the vehicle.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) will convene on Friday the first meeting of the Technical Working Group (TWG) on driver safety, Board Member Aileen Lourdes A. Lizada said in a text message.

Mr. Cu said Grab will come up with a technological solution to protect its drivers and passengers but did not elaborate.

Uber Philippines said it “looks forward” to the meeting. “Together with all stakeholders, we hope to find solutions that balance the interests of riders, drivers, the government, and the TNCs,” the company said.

Also sought for comment, Marvin de la Cruz, chairman and CEO of U-HOP, said in a text message: “We (have) been advocating an open platform and database mirroring accessible by the regulatory for transparency and compliance purposes.” — Patrizia Paola C. Marcelo

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