MANILA - Transport regulators on Wednesday ordered Uber to "cease and desist" operations on April 16, despite another order from the country's competition watchdog for the ride-hailing firm to continue operating while its acquisition deal with Grab was under anti-trust review.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said that while Uber's accreditation has already expired, the agency will allow it to continue operating as a transport network company (TNC) up to April 15 amid the ongoing review by the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) of its merger deal with Grab.

"Out of respect for the review na ginagawa ng PCC ngayon, the board has directed Uber, na in as much as it wants to withdraw its petition para maging TNC (transport network company), we will extend [their accreditation] hanggang April 15," LTFRB board member Aileen Lizada told DZMM radio.

The LTFRB's order is at odds with the PCC's earlier order last Saturday telling Uber to continue operations until the commission completes its review of its merger deal with Grab, which could take at least a month.

• Grab, Uber ordered to continue separate ops beyond April 8

Lizada said it was obvious that Uber could no longer maintain its service.

"We have learned sa hearing, their [drivers] numbers are dwindling. The delay of riders getting booking is quite long," Lizada said.

The PCC earlier said that Uber was capable of continuing its operations in the country.

• PCC insists on jurisdiction over Grab-Uber deal as LTFRB casts doubts