REGIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Cebu Governor Pushes Back On 600 EV Taxis; Warns Of Unfair Impact On Local Drivers
Photo credit: Pam Baricuatro
Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro has come out strongly against the provisional authority granted to Green & Smart Mobility, which allows the deployment of 600 electric taxi units across the province.
In a firm statement, Baricuatro made it clear that her opposition is not about electric vehicles or environmental innovation.
“This is not an issue of EV technology,” the governor said. “The real problem is the license to operate.”
According to Baricuatro, granting provisional operating authority under the current setup could unfairly push aside existing taxi operators who have long followed regulations, paid their dues, and relied on the system to ensure fair and orderly public transport.
One of her main concerns is why an international company is being given an operator’s license when it could instead function as a supplier or fleet partner. She stressed that licensed operators carry responsibilities—from data management and safety standards to labor protections and route planning.
The governor also warned that the move could threaten the livelihoods of local taxi drivers and disrupt Cebu’s transportation ecosystem.
Traffic is another red flag. Baricuatro pointed out that Cebu’s roads are already congested, and adding 600 more vehicles—even electric ones—could worsen traffic, parking issues, and road safety if not matched with strong traffic management measures.
She also called for clearer and more enforceable regulations, saying the public deserves transparency, accountability, and fair competition. This includes verified plans for vehicle maintenance, insurance coverage, and passenger protection.
What Baricuatro is pushing for, she said, is a thorough and public review of the provisional licenses before any EV taxis hit the roads. She wants a licensing framework that protects existing operators, ensures rider safety, and maintains service quality, while allowing new EV options to be introduced responsibly.
The governor also urged wider consultation, calling for open dialogue among taxi associations, EV operators, commuters, urban planners, and traffic authorities.
Baricuatro invited Green & Smart Mobility to take part in a constructive review process and appealed to the administration to put transparency and long-term public welfare first.
“We owe our drivers, riders, and communities a transportation system that is safe, fair, and sustainable,” she said, adding that she remains committed to strong oversight and decisions that place Cebuano residents at the center of transport policy.
In a firm statement, Baricuatro made it clear that her opposition is not about electric vehicles or environmental innovation.
“This is not an issue of EV technology,” the governor said. “The real problem is the license to operate.”
According to Baricuatro, granting provisional operating authority under the current setup could unfairly push aside existing taxi operators who have long followed regulations, paid their dues, and relied on the system to ensure fair and orderly public transport.
One of her main concerns is why an international company is being given an operator’s license when it could instead function as a supplier or fleet partner. She stressed that licensed operators carry responsibilities—from data management and safety standards to labor protections and route planning.
The governor also warned that the move could threaten the livelihoods of local taxi drivers and disrupt Cebu’s transportation ecosystem.
Traffic is another red flag. Baricuatro pointed out that Cebu’s roads are already congested, and adding 600 more vehicles—even electric ones—could worsen traffic, parking issues, and road safety if not matched with strong traffic management measures.
She also called for clearer and more enforceable regulations, saying the public deserves transparency, accountability, and fair competition. This includes verified plans for vehicle maintenance, insurance coverage, and passenger protection.
What Baricuatro is pushing for, she said, is a thorough and public review of the provisional licenses before any EV taxis hit the roads. She wants a licensing framework that protects existing operators, ensures rider safety, and maintains service quality, while allowing new EV options to be introduced responsibly.
The governor also urged wider consultation, calling for open dialogue among taxi associations, EV operators, commuters, urban planners, and traffic authorities.
Baricuatro invited Green & Smart Mobility to take part in a constructive review process and appealed to the administration to put transparency and long-term public welfare first.
“We owe our drivers, riders, and communities a transportation system that is safe, fair, and sustainable,” she said, adding that she remains committed to strong oversight and decisions that place Cebuano residents at the center of transport policy.
Dec 17, 2025
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