Gasoline stations in Cebu City may soon become additional charging points for electric vehicles (EVs) as the City Council pushed for the expansion of clean energy infrastructure in compliance with national policy.
The Cebu City Council approved during its regular session on Tuesday, July 28, a resolution encouraging public and private gasoline station operators to install and maintain at least two EV charging outlets within their facilities.
Authored by Councilor Jaypee Labella, the resolution seeks to support the implementation of Republic Act No. 11697, or the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA), which requires fuel service stations to allocate space for EV charging infrastructure following guidelines set by the Department of Energy (DOE).
The measure aims to address concerns over limited charging facilities, which officials said continue to affect the wider adoption of electric vehicles.
“The availability of accessible EV charging infrastructure at strategically located sites such as gasoline stations… would significantly ease range anxiety among current and prospective EV owners and encourage a faster shift to electric mobility,” the resolution stated.
The resolution cited the potential environmental benefits of expanding EV infrastructure, including reducing traffic-related emissions and improving air quality in urban areas.
It also pointed to possible economic benefits for gasoline station operators, noting that EV charging facilities could attract additional customers, increase customer waiting time within establishments, and create opportunities for partnerships with charging technology providers.
The move comes as local governments in Metro Cebu continue efforts to develop more EV charging networks to support the transition toward cleaner transportation.
Earlier this month, the Cebu Provincial Board approved a resolution allowing the installation of four EV charging stations inside the Cebu Provincial Capitol compound.
The project, authored by Provincial Board Member Paz Razgoni, will place two charging stations at the Legislative Building and two at the Executive Building. It aims to support the government’s transition requirement for agencies to shift at least five percent of their vehicle fleets to electric vehicles.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Board is also reviewing a proposed ordinance by Provincial Board Member Stanley Caminero seeking to establish a centralized Cebu Provincial Green Mobility Charging Station (GMCS).
The proposed measure includes a socialized charging fee structure based on household income, supported by a Green Mobility Trust Fund and possible public-private partnerships.
With these initiatives, local officials are seeking to expand access to EV charging facilities and encourage more residents and institutions to adopt electric mobility solutions.
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