The Bohol provincial government has requested the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board Region 7 to investigate complaints against Grab drivers accused of violating booking system protocols and refusing service to passengers in Tagbilaran City, Panglao and Dauis areas.
The request was made during a Provincial Development Council meeting attended by Gov. Aris Aumentado, Provincial Administrator Asteria Caberte and Provincial Planning and Development Officer Atty. John Titus Vissal, during which priority programs and projects for 2027 were presented.
According to provincial officials, reports indicate some Grab drivers turn off their app to avoid bookings and instead solicit passengers directly to tourist destinations, creating unfair competition against licensed tourist van operators.
Aumentado asked the LTFRB, currently led by Acting Regional Director Eugenio Ibo, to meet with Grab Philippines to examine the situation and consider canceling slots or franchises of drivers who fail to comply with laws and regulations.
The move aims to provide opportunities for new applicants willing to follow established rules.
The provincial government said it is monitoring all complaints against Grab operators to ensure proper public service and fair transportation operations throughout Bohol.
Ibo assured the PDC that action will be taken on complaints against the Transport Network Vehicle Service provider and that the agency will coordinate with Grab Philippines.
In a related development, authorities announced stricter regulations for dive, snorkeling and boating operators in the Panglao Island Protected Seascape, requiring accreditation from the Department of Tourism, registration with MARINA and valid permits from the local government unit.
Under the new mandate, enrollment in the Green Fins Program is mandatory for all operators to ensure compliance with international standards for marine protection.
The Protected Area Management Office-PIPS has authority to recommend permanent banning of businesses that commit repeated violations.
Strictly prohibited activities include touching, chasing or harming marine animals such as sea turtles, feeding them, and stepping on or damaging corals.
Collection of shells and use of amplified music during island hopping tours are also banned.
PAMO-PIPS, along with police and PA Rangers, will lead monitoring and enforcement.
Those caught violating regulations, including littering or illegal anchoring in coral areas, face penalties and fines under Republic Act No. 11038, the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act.
Collections from fines and permits will be allocated for marine conservation, mooring buoy maintenance and information campaigns to educate tourists and local residents.
As part of the new policy, operators are expected to participate in reef monitoring and conservation activities to preserve Panglao’s marine environment for future generations.