P.O. Box 1161, QCCPO, NCR, Philippines 1100
Cell No. : +63 917-812-5546
Email : labankonsyumer@gmail.com
: dimagibavic@gmail.com
: dmagiba@pldtdsl.net
Facebook: Laban Konsyumer Inc.
Website : www.labankonsyumer.com
LKI 2020-003
PRESS STATEMENT
January 14, 2020
CONSUMER GROUP LKI REPORTS GRAB UNILATERAL DEVIATION ON THEIR E-RECEIPT AND CALLS FOR INVESTIGATION ON VIOLATION OF DATA PRIVACY BY GRAB PHILIPPINES
Consumer Group Laban Konsyumer Inc. (LKI) and its President Atty. Vic Dimagiba recently wrote to the National Privacy Commission regarding filing a complaint against Grab Philippines for violation of Republic Act No. 10173 or the Data Privacy Act, particularly Chapters III, IV, V, VI.
Dimagiba, in his statement, explained “on January 8, 2020, I booked a ride for Union Bank, Luzon Avenue, Quezon City. In the booking process, I was directed to an identity verification process, either a selfie photo or thru a credit or debit card. I rebooked again and again and I have been redirected to the identity verification as a condition to proceed to the booking process.”
He continued his experience, saying “I opted for a selfie photo and a circle appeared and was instructed to ensure that my face is inside the circle. The instruction will inform you whether you move your face farther or nearer the circle. Thereafter a selfie photo was taken and the system informed me I can proceed with the booking process. The booking process was completed.”
Dimagiba pointed out “I attached the Grab E-receipt dated January 8, 2020 under Booking Code ADR-40293226-8-294. Prior to the above incident, I have not been required to comply with a identity verification by Grab Philippines.”
Dimagiba highlighted “I have not received any prior communication nor notice in any form that an identity verification is required prior to booking confirmation. I believe that the penalties under Chapter VIII of the Data Privacy Act be imposed against Grab Philippines.”
Dimagiba filed the complaint with the National Privacy Commission for moto propio action as the violation is a matter of public interest and had been reported by the media, either regular or social media.
Dimagiba also reported Grab’s unilateral deviation on their e-receipt from a breakdown of the fare to just a lump sum amount, except the promo. DImagiba used his personal rides as example and proof that Grab Philippines is unilaterally deviating on their e-receipt based on the breakdown of his actual fare to just a lump sum amount. Dimagiba concluded by saying “these deviations in the e-receipt and also the violation of data privacy are especially alarming for consumers who may not be aware of what is happening to them, and being tricked by Grab Philippines. It is our job to empower, inform and educate consumers and put a stop to these harmful practices by Grab Philippines.”
LKI concluded by saying “what Grab Philippines is doing is a direct violation of the Data Privacy Act. Consumers should be protected from these intrusions so as to protect their welfare and security. We at LKI hope that the Commission investigates this immediately, as well as other similar situations and scenarios such as this to ensure quick and swift action taken. We expect prompt response both by the commission and Grab Philippines.”
For any inquiries or concerns, you may reach LKI President Vic Dimagiba at 0917-812-5546. Visit our updated website at www.labankonsyumer.com and like us on Facebook and Twitter. Send any inquiry to labankonsyumer@gmail.com