𝐋𝐀𝐔𝐍𝐂𝐇 𝐎𝐅 𝐄𝐕 𝐓𝐀𝐗𝐈 𝐒𝐔𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐃 𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐏𝐔𝐁𝐋𝐈𝐂 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐒𝐔𝐋𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍
The provisional authority granted to Green & Smart Mobility, which plans to deploy 600 electric vehicle (EV) taxi units in Cebu Province, has been suspended pending the conduct of a public consultation after the holidays.
This was the outcome of a meeting between Governor Pamela Baricuatro and officials of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), which had earlier granted the provisional authority while the company’s application for a regular franchise remains under evaluation.
“In deference to Governor Pam Baricuatro’s concerns on the operation of EV taxis in Cebu, GSM has agreed to defer the launching of its operations and has agreed to pursue genuine consultation with the public to present and discuss the social, economic, and environmental impacts of the EV taxi operations in the province of Cebu,” according to the LTFRB.
A consultative meeting with stakeholders has been set on January 5, 2026.
In a Facebook post, Governor Baricuatro clarified that her position was not opposed to EV technology or environmental initiatives, but to the manner by which operating licenses were issued.
“Issuing operating licenses under provisional authority, under these circumstances, risks unfairly displacing our current taxi operators who have complied with the rules, paid dues, and trusted the system to deliver orderly, safe service,” the governor said.
She emphasized the need to engage key stakeholders, including taxi associations, EV operators, commuters, urban planners, and traffic management authorities, in an open and inclusive consultative process.
“Cebu’s traffic is already challenging. Adding 600 new vehicles, even if EV, without robust traffic management, could worsen congestion, parking, and safety conditions for all road users,” she said.
Governor Baricuatro also urged the EV operator to participate in a constructive review process and called on concerned agencies to prioritize transparency, accountability, and the long-term welfare of Cebu’s people and economy.
“We owe our drivers, riders, and communities a transportation system that is safe, fair, and sustainable. I remain committed to rigorous oversight and to taking bold, thoughtful steps that put residents first,” she added. /𝑪𝑨𝑷𝑰𝑻𝑶𝑳 𝑷𝑰𝑶
Check this also: Cebu Receives Generous Medical Supplies Donation from Australian Benefactors
