Despite opposition, LTFRB-7 to push through with e-taxis rollout

Local

THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board-Central Visayas (LTFRB-7) will proceed with the rollout of electric taxis in Cebu.

This, despite opposition from local taxi operators and concerns raised by Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro, as the program awaits final guidance from the LTFRB Central Office.

LTFRB-7 Regional Director Eduardo Montealto Jr. said the regional office is mandated to continue the inspection and hearing process for around 600 electric vehicle (EV) units that have been granted provisional authority by the LTFRB Central Office.

“Ang ilang position valid man sad na siya kay open man ta ana nga maminaw,” Montealto said. “But ang LTFRB labi na diri sa region, naa na mi guidelines sa inspection, mao nga ga-inspection mi karon.”

Montealto said the application for the EV taxi units was filed in Manila and approved for provisional authority at the central level, leaving the regional office with the responsibility of conducting hearings and ensuring unit compliance.

“Diri sa region naa nay directive sa amoa nga kami mo-conduct sa hearing sa December 23 ug kami pod mo-inspection sa units. Ongoing pa ang inspection,” he said. “Sa karon wala pay resolution gikan sa Central Office, mao nga padayon gihapon namo among gibuhat.”

Moreover, Montealto stressed that the EV taxi rollout is part of a nationwide government program under the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA), which aims to reduce fuel dependence and pollution by transitioning public transport toward electric vehicles.

“Maayo man ni nga adunay electric taxi kay padulong na gyud ta diha,” he said. “Ang atong dependency sa fuel mo-reduce na, ug sa electric, walay engine ug walay pollution.”

He added that under EVIDA, existing taxi operators are encouraged to gradually replace about five to 10 percent of their fleets with electric vehicles, noting that modernization is inevitable despite current resistance.

Montealto acknowledged concerns that Cebu already has a high number of taxis but said the shift away from internal combustion engines can no longer be postponed.

“Sa tinuod lang, daghan na gyud ug taxi diri sa Cebu, pero dili man pud ta pwede nga magpabilin lang ta sa internal combustion engine,” he said.

Local taxi operators, led by the United Cebu Taxi Operators Association Inc., earlier expressed strong opposition to the entry of around 600 EV taxis, saying they were shocked by the sudden arrival of the units parked in Barangay Mambaling, Cebu City.

Association president Chito Obeso said they were previously informed that no new taxi franchises would be issued due to congestion, but were surprised by the release of Memorandum Circular 2025-50 on November 18, which opened additional taxi slots using electric vehicles.

Obeso said operators were not against electric vehicles, especially in line with EVIDA, but argued that allowing new operators would worsen traffic congestion and undermine existing franchise holders.

They also questioned the lack of public consultation and the absence of studies comparing EV taxis with traditional units in terms of traffic impact.

Baricuatro also opposed the provisional authority issued to EV taxis, citing concerns over licensing, fairness, and potential harm to local operators.

“The issue is not environmental nor the EV technology itself. The core problem lies with the license to operate,” Baricuatro said in a previous statement.

She warned that granting provisional authority could displace compliant operators who have long adhered to regulatory requirements and invested heavily in their fleets, while also raising concerns about road safety and traffic congestion.

Baricuatro called for a transparent and data-driven review of provisional licenses, as well as a clear licensing framework that protects existing operators while ensuring commuter safety and service quality.

Montealto said all objections raised by taxi groups and the governor have been formally elevated to the LTFRB Central Office, which will determine the final course of action.

“Ang views sa governor ug sa operators, ipaabot na sa Central Office,” he said. “Didto na ibalanse kung unsay buhaton ana.”

He emphasized that unless a directive is issued to suspend the process, LTFRB-7 has no choice but to continue implementation.

“Kung naa’y directive nga i-hold, sundon gyud na. Pero sa pagkakaron, push through ni siya nga activity,” Montealto said.

The public hearing on the provisional authority is scheduled for December 23, following publication requirements, as part of the standard franchise process.(TGP)