Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro has reiterated her opposition to the provisional authority granted to Green & Smart Mobility to roll out 600 electric vehicle (EV) taxi units in Cebu Province, warning that the move could disrupt the local transport industry and threaten the livelihood of existing operators.
In a statement posted on her official Facebook page, Baricuatro clarified that her position is not rooted in opposition to electric vehicles or environmental sustainability, but in concerns over how operating permits were issued.
The governor said the central issue lies in the granting of licenses under a provisional authority, which she believes undermines established regulatory processes.
Baricuatro cautioned that allowing foreign-backed companies to operate using provisional permits places local taxi operators at risk, noting that existing operators have long complied with franchising rules, paid regulatory fees, and operated within a structured transport system.
“The core issue is the license to operate,” Baricuatro said.
One of her primary objections focuses on the licensing framework itself, particularly why foreign companies are being allowed to function as transport operators rather than being limited to roles such as suppliers or fleet partners.
She stressed that transport operators must be fully accountable for responsibilities such as data security, passenger safety, labor standards, and route management, warning that these obligations should not be diluted or bypassed through provisional arrangements that may weaken oversight.
The governor also raised concerns over the potential impact on existing taxi drivers and operators, saying the sudden introduction of 600 new units could destabilize the transport sector in Cebu and displace drivers already competing in a challenging market.
Beyond economic concerns, Baricuatro pointed to traffic congestion and road safety as pressing issues.
She said Cebu’s road network is already heavily congested and that adding hundreds of new vehicles, even electric ones, could worsen traffic flow and increase safety risks.
She warned that without a comprehensive and enforceable traffic management plan, the deployment could aggravate parking problems and further strain urban infrastructure.
Baricuatro also emphasized the need for clear and verified plans covering vehicle maintenance, insurance coverage, and passenger protection measures.
She called for a thorough, transparent, and data-driven review of the provisional authority before any EV taxi units are allowed to operate, adding that transport modernization efforts must include safeguards that protect existing operators while improving service quality for commuters.
A carefully designed transition plan, she said, is necessary to integrate EVs into the transport system without harming livelihoods or worsening traffic conditions.
The governor further urged open and inclusive dialogue among stakeholders, including taxi groups, EV companies, commuters, urban planners, and traffic authorities, reiterating her commitment to policies that prioritize the welfare of Cebuano residents.
Baricuatro’s statement came in response to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board’s issuance of a provisional authority to Green & Smart Mobility.
LTFRB Chairman Vigor D. Mendoza II approved the company’s request to operate 600 air-conditioned EV taxi units while its application for a regular franchise remains under review.
The undated LTFRB order states that the authority was granted pending the resolution of the company’s application for a Certificate of Public Convenience.
The order was signed by Mendoza, Board Members Engr. Isagani Victorio and Atty. Greg Pua Jr., and attested by Executive Director Loumer Bernabe.
Under the provisional permit, Green & Smart Mobility is authorized to operate taxi services from Cebu City to various destinations across Central Visayas.
The LTFRB said the authority is subject to strict compliance with existing transport laws, national regulations, and local ordinances, and does not guarantee approval of the company’s franchise application.
Opposition to the policy has continued to grow among local taxi operators, who fear increased competition and reduced income.
In a separate development, the United Cebu Taxi Operators Association appealed to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to suspend the implementation of LTFRB Memorandum Circular No. 050, Series of 2025. The circular allows additional EV taxi slots in major urban areas, including Metro Cebu, starting December 3, 2025.
The group warned that Cebu’s taxi market is already oversaturated. (SBA)
