Startups are always claiming to be “disruptive,” but few have managed to cause as much legal controversy and trouble as Uber has managed to do in virtually every country it operates in. However, while regulators across the globe are still figuring out what to do with Uber, the Philippines has become the first country to make ridesharing services like Uber legal and provide a regulatory framework for their operation.
Fifteen months ago, we launched Uber in the Philippines and transformed the way people move around Metro Manila with a safer, more reliable and efficient transportation option. Metro Manila quickly became one of our fastest growing markets with an amazing response from the driver and rider communities who embraced Uber’s innovative technology. Today is a historic day not only for the Philippines but for the entire Asia Pacific region. Philippine Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph (Jun) Abaya enacted a new department order on “Promoting Mobility,” which aims to modernize and improve transport services to the commuting public by recognizing new forms of transport solutions that can have a significant impact on reducing congestion while creating thousands of new opportunities for drivers.