Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro has formally opposed a plan to deploy 600 electric vehicle (EV) taxi units across Cebu City and other parts of Central Visayas. The governor raised strong objections to the regulatory process that granted a provisional authority for the rollout.
Objection Focuses on Licensing and Process
In a statement posted on her official Facebook page on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, Baricuatro clarified that her opposition is not against EV technology itself. Instead, she is challenging the procedure used by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
The governor specifically opposed the provisional authority (PA) issued to Green & Smart Mobility (GSM), a mobile-based transport provider. This PA would allow the company to operate the EV taxi fleet, which passengers can book via a mobile application.
"The core problem lies with the license to operate," Baricuatro wrote. She warned that issuing operator licenses under a provisional authority risks displacing existing taxi operators who have fully complied with franchising rules and paid all required fees.
LTFRB Defends Proposal as Fleet Expansion
LTFRB 7 Director Eduardo Montealto, in a separate phone interview, explained that the proposal is an expansion of the taxi fleet, not a conversion of existing franchises. He acknowledged that the move effectively creates additional taxi slots.
"This is not a conversion of old taxis. This is not a conversion from another denomination of taxi," Montealto stated, emphasizing that the involved units are fully electric vehicles.
He noted that the proposal aligns with the national push for fuel efficiency and reduced pollution under the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (Evida) or Republic Act 11697. Montealto added that existing operators are also allowed to replace their units with electric or hybrid vehicles.
Traffic and Consultation Concerns Raised
Governor Baricuatro cited a lack of prior consultation with local stakeholders. She warned that adding 600 new vehicles to Cebu's roads, regardless of their power source, could worsen the area's already critical traffic congestion and road safety issues.
Director Montealto admitted that no local consultation occurred before the proposal surfaced, as the program was introduced directly by the LTFRB central office through Memorandum Circular 050 dated November 18, 2025.
This circular opened additional taxi slots exclusively for EVs in major metropolitan areas, allocating 8,000 units for Metro Manila, 600 for Metro Cebu, and 600 for Metro Davao.
Next Steps and Call for Review
Montealto stated that the LTFRB is expected to conduct a public hearing, tentatively set for December 23, 2025, to evaluate GSM's compliance with all taxi requirements. If the company meets the standards, the application will be endorsed to the LTFRB central office for the issuance of the provisional authority.
Governor Baricuatro has called for a public, data-driven review of the provisional authority. She urged regulators to ensure fair competition, protect existing operators, and adopt a careful transition plan that integrates electric vehicles without harming livelihoods or exacerbating traffic problems.
