MANILA - The Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) is giving Grab and Uber until Tuesday, April 17, to explain why Uber was shut down despite the anti-trust watchdog's order for the platform to continue operations while its merger deal with Grab undergoes review.

Uber recently sent an email to its subscribers in the Philippines announcing that its Uber app would cease to be operational in the country on Monday, April 16. It also advised users to download the Grab app to book rides.

Uber subscribers who try to book a ride using the app receive a message saying Uber is currently unavailable in their area.

In a statement issued Monday, the PCC said that despite Uber's shut down, the agency will push on with its review of the Grab-Uber deal.

"This development may have rendered the review conditions to be less than ideal, however, this move shall not derail the motu proprio review of the Grab-Uber transaction," the PCC said.

• Ride-hailing firm Grab eyes expansion as it acquires Uber

The PCC and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board have been at loggerheads over how to handle the Grab's acquisition of Uber's Philippine operations.

Last April 7, the PCC ordered Grab and Uber to continue operating their apps separately until the commission finishes its review of the the merger, which could take up to a month.

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

The LTFRB meanwhile said that Uber would only be allowed to keep operating until April 15 as its accreditation had already expired.

• LTFRB tells Uber to 'cease and desist' operations on April 16