The highly anticipated launch of 600 electric vehicle (EV) taxis in Metro Cebu has been officially put on hold. Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro confirmed the suspension on Friday, December 19, 2025, pending a comprehensive public consultation.
Governor's Concerns Halt Launch
Governor Baricuatro clarified that her opposition is not directed at EV technology or environmental goals. Instead, she takes issue with the regulatory process. The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) had granted provisional authority (PA) to operator Green & Smart Mobility (GSM) while its regular franchise application is still being evaluated.
In a Facebook post, the governor argued that this approach "risks unfairly displacing our current taxi operators who have complied with the rules, paid dues, and trusted the system." She emphasized the need for a transparent and inclusive consultation to ensure the long-term welfare of Cebu's residents and a fair transportation ecosystem.
Stakeholder Meeting Scheduled for January 2026
Following a meeting between the Governor and the LTFRB, the board issued a statement. It confirmed that GSM has agreed to defer its launch and engage in genuine public discussions. A major consultative meeting is now scheduled for January 5, 2026.
Key stakeholders expected to attend include:
- Taxi operators' associations
- EV operators and proponents
- Commuters and transport groups
- Urban planners and traffic authorities
The meeting aims to thoroughly present and debate the social, economic, and environmental impacts of introducing a large fleet of EV taxis into Metro Cebu's already congested streets.
Traffic and Competition at the Heart of the Debate
Beyond procedural fairness, Governor Baricuatro raised practical concerns about the sudden addition of 600 new vehicles. She warned it could exacerbate existing problems with traffic congestion, parking shortages, and road safety without proper integrated planning.
The United Cebu Taxi Operators Association (UCTOA), led by chairman Richard Cabucos, had previously voiced strong opposition to the 90-day provisional authority. Cabucos highlighted worries about market competition and the regulatory process. He pointed out that traditional operators have undergone what he called "lengthy and costly" franchise requirements, while GSM's hybrid model of street hailing and app-based booking entered under a different framework.
GSM has committed to participating in the upcoming consultation and collaborating with local stakeholders before any further steps are taken. The company's fleet was originally slated to begin operations on Friday, December 19, the same day the suspension was announced.
Governor Baricuatro concluded, "We owe our drivers, riders, and communities a transportation system that is safe, fair, and sustainable." The January consultation will now determine the future path for green transport initiatives in the province.
