In a clear message to Grab Philippines, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) emphasized on Monday the need for the ride-hailing giant to uphold the highest standards of safety for its passengers and clients.
Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Grab Asenso Center in Marikina City, Transport Secretary Jaime J. Bautista highlighted the critical importance of safety in the transportation sector. “Safety is needed here in our transport sector. We cannot let our safety be compromised,” Bautista said, stressing that the safety of passengers must always remain a top priority.
As part of his address, Bautista also urged Grab’s drivers to maintain the quality of service they provide. “For Grab drivers, let’s make sure that the service we extend to passengers is good,” he said, reinforcing the need for consistent excellence throughout the entire transportation experience.
Set to open in the first quarter of 2025, the Grab Asenso Center aims to enhance the capabilities of Grab’s expanding ecosystem of drivers, riders, and merchant partners. The facility will also extend its services to MOVE IT, Grab’s motorcycle taxi platform, supporting a broader range of mobility solutions.
Bautista also commended Grab for its role in the country’s economic development. He acknowledged the company’s contributions to job creation, noting that over 50,000 partner-drivers and merchants benefit from Grab’s training and livelihood programs. Some of these individuals, Bautista said, have even been able to send their children to school, showcasing the broader social impact of Grab’s operations.
“This (Grab operations) is a great contribution to our economy because we can provide good jobs to drivers, operators, and support employees,” Bautista said. “We always think that what we sell is a service, so passengers must have a good experience—from the start they book their trip until they arrive at their destination.”
