The 21st Davao City Sangguniang Panlungsod has taken a decisive step to regulate the anticipated entry of electric vehicle (EV) taxis into the city. On December 23, 2025, the legislative body approved a resolution calling for a thorough review before any operations begin.
Council Calls for Coordination and Study
The resolution specifically urges the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to conduct a comprehensive study in coordination with the Davao City Government before granting any slots for EV taxis. Key local offices like the City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO), along with taxi operators and their associations, must be part of this crucial assessment.
Councilor Jose Marie Bernardo Baluran, who chairs the Committee on Transportation, championed the move. He linked the resolution directly to the planned arrival of 600 electric vehicles meant for taxi service in Davao. Baluran emphasized that while the shift to EVs is positive in principle, their sudden introduction raises serious issues that need addressing.
Key Areas for Investigation
Councilor Baluran outlined several critical areas the proposed study must cover:
- The potential impact on the city's traffic flow.
- An analysis of the current supply and demand for taxi services.
- The economic effects on existing taxi operators and drivers.
- The readiness of local infrastructure, including EV charging station availability and power supply adequacy.
Alleged Bypass of Local Governance
A major point of contention raised by Baluran is the apparent lack of prior dialogue with city authorities. He revealed that based on official records, no prior consultation or coordination occurred with the Davao City Government, particularly the CTTMO.
Furthermore, he pointed out a regulatory gap: No franchise application for these EV taxis was submitted to the CTTMO or endorsed to the Sangguniang Panlungsod for review. This omission, according to Baluran, contravenes Section 151 of Davao City Ordinance No. 0334-12, also known as the Comprehensive Transport and Traffic Code of Davao City.
Baluran stressed that this approach undermines the principles of local autonomy under the Local Government Code. Matters of traffic flow, transport regulation, and public convenience fall squarely under the local government's authority and responsibility.
Ensuring Orderly Innovation
In clarifying the council's position, Baluran stated that the goal is not to reject modern technology but to ensure its integration is lawful and well-planned. "To be clear, this is not about rejecting EV taxis, but ensuring that their entry to Davao City is lawful, coordinated, and responsive to local conditions," he said.
He concluded with a firm principle: "Innovation must work hand in hand with planning, and national initiatives must complement not bypass local governance." The resolution now sets the stage for a coordinated evaluation between national agencies and Davao's local government before the city's streets see a fleet of electric taxis.
