The Cebu Provincial Government is set to host a pivotal stakeholders' consultation on Monday, January 5, 2026, to discuss the planned integration of electric vehicles (EVs) into the province's public transport system.
Key Details of the Upcoming EV Forum
The consultation is scheduled for 2 p.m. on January 5, 2026, as announced by the Capitol's Public Information Office via a Facebook post on Saturday, January 3. The session aims to bring together a diverse group of participants, including transport groups, industry players, and concerned government agencies. They will tackle critical issues such as policy directions, operational concerns, and Cebu's broader transition toward sustainable mobility.
Provincial Assistant Administrator Aldwin Empaces confirmed that Green and Smart Mobility (GSM), the Vietnamese-backed operator, will participate in the discussions. To ensure transparency and wider public engagement, the consultation will be live-streamed. When questioned about the specific jurisdictional rollout of the EVs, Empaces stated that this topic would be opened for deliberation during the meeting.
Background: The Suspended Deployment and Governor's Concerns
This meeting follows the suspension in December 2025 of a previously planned deployment of 600 EVs in Metro Cebu. The launch was put on hold pending genuine public consultations.
Governor Pamela Baricuatro had expressed significant reservations about the provisional authority granted to GSM. She argued that the process might unfairly disadvantage existing taxi operators who have diligently complied with all regulatory requirements and paid their dues. The Governor also warned that introducing a large fleet without proper planning could exacerbate the area's already severe traffic congestion.
Stakeholder Opposition and Path Forward
In response to these concerns, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) agreed with GSM to defer the launch. Both parties committed to pursuing a sincere consultation to evaluate the social, economic, and environmental impacts of the EV operations in Cebu.
The suspension also addresses broader objections from local transport groups. The United Cebu Taxi Operators Association strongly opposed the issuance of provisional authority for the 600 electric units. Their opposition was grounded in fears of market saturation and a lack of regulatory transparency.
The January 5 consultation is anticipated to provide a vital platform for all stakeholders to voice their perspectives. The outcome is expected to play a decisive role in shaping the responsible and effective integration of electric vehicles into Cebu's public transportation network.
