The United Cebu Taxi Operators Association (UCTOA) has formally called on the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to cancel the provisional authority granted to a foreign company for 600 electric vehicle (EV) taxi units. The group cites severe traffic congestion and unfair competition in Metro Cebu as primary reasons for their opposition.
Formal Opposition to Provisional Authority
In a telephone interview on December 18, 2025, UCTOA Chairman Richard Cabucos confirmed that his association has filed a formal opposition against the 90-day provisional authority (PA) issued by the LTFRB Central Office to Green and Smart Mobility (GSM). The Vietnamese ride-hailing app is scheduled to begin operations in Metro Cebu on December 19.
Cabucos explained that GSM plans to operate using a hybrid model, combining traditional street hailing with app-based bookings. He argued that this setup would negatively impact the livelihoods of existing taxi operators and franchise holders, given the already high number of public utility vehicles in the area.
Concerns Over Process and Market Saturation
The taxi operators' chairman raised several critical issues with the rollout. He pointed out that local operators and drivers have complied with franchise requirements he described as "lengthy and expensive," expressing concern over the use of a provisional authority for such a large-scale deployment.
Cabucos also lamented the timing, noting that a public hearing intended to assess whether GSM met standard taxi requirements was scheduled for December 23 but has not yet been conducted. He stressed that any issues arising from such a hearing should be resolved before operations commence.
Furthermore, Cabucos revealed that some local operators have already lost drivers due to GSM's aggressive hiring campaign ahead of its launch.
Current Transport Landscape in Metro Cebu
The opposition comes against a backdrop of an already crowded transport sector in Metro Cebu. Currently, the metro has:
- Over 6,200 taxi units from approximately 300 operators.
- This figure excludes premium and airport taxis.
- An additional over 2,000 Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) units.
These vehicles operate alongside traditional and modernized jeepneys, motorcycle ride-hailing services (habal-habal), and other public utility vehicles.
Support and Clarification on Technology
Cabucos acknowledged the support of Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro, who has also opposed the deployment due to perceived flaws in the regulatory process that allowed it.
He was careful to clarify that UCTOA is not opposed to EV technology itself. Their protest is focused on the regulatory process, timing, and the potential for worsening Metro Cebu's traffic situation and undermining existing businesses that followed strict local regulations.
