A group of drivers of transport network vehicle service (TNVS) hatchback units protested on Monday against Grab Philippines’ alleged discrimination and limitation imposed on their area of service.

The drivers who belong to Laban TNVS gathered on Diokno Boulevard in Pasay City past 6 a.m. for their protest caravan.

They held a protest caravan to let Grab Philippines know they are against the alleged discrimination experienced by TNVS hatchback drivers.

The drivers said they could not offer their service in the entire Metro Manila. Only limited areas were made available to them.

Laban TNVS spokesperson Jun de Leon said 300 TNVS hatchback drivers are affected as a result.

“Ang resulta nito ay ‘yung pagbabago ng kanilang mga kita, pagbaba ng kita ng hatchback cars. Mababa na nga ang pamasahe, doon pa sila itinalaga sa areas na sobrang traffic,” De Leon said.

From Diokno Boulevard, the group went to the office of Grab Philippines in Makati City on Monday morning.

The groups wanted to seek a dialogue with the management of the ride-hailing app over its scheme of limiting service area coverage of TNVS hatchback and sub-compact units in selected central business districts in Metro Manila.

Protesting hatchback operators and drivers pointed out that such scheme of Grab causes burden to their livelihoods and discriminates them as this means reduced income for them and their families.

They also complained about the hiding of the “GrabCar Hatchback” service to the passengers’ mobile app options. /Stacy Ang