The 21st City Council has passed a resolution calling for a comprehensive study on the planned operation of electric vehicle (EV) taxis in Davao City before any franchise slots are issued.
Authored by Councilor Jose Marie Bernardo Baluran, the resolution urges the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board–Davao (LTFRB-Davao) to carry out a thorough assessment in coordination with the city government, the City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO), taxi operators, and transport groups prior to approving EV taxi franchises.
Baluran, chairman of the Committee on Transportation, said the study should examine the potential effects of EV taxis on traffic flow, the existing supply and demand for taxi services, and the possible economic impact on current taxi operators and drivers.
He added that the assessment should also determine the readiness of local infrastructure, including the availability of charging stations and the sufficiency of the power supply.
The councilor said the call for a study was prompted by reports on the expected arrival and possible operation of about 600 electric vehicles in Davao City, which he said could have wide-ranging implications for traffic management, local governance, and public welfare.
While noting that the shift to electric vehicles is generally a positive development, Baluran said the proposed entry of EV taxis in the city raises several concerns that need to be addressed.
“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. Innovation must work hand in hand with planning, and national initiatives must complement not bypass local governance,” he said.
He said records from concerned offices indicated that there had been no prior consultation or coordination with the city government, particularly the CTTMO, regarding the planned EV taxi operations.
Baluran also said no franchise application for EV taxis had been submitted to the CTTMO or endorsed to the City Council for review and approval, a requirement under Section 151 of City Ordinance No. 0334-12, or the Comprehensive Transport and Traffic Code of Davao City.
He added that the absence of coordination runs contrary to the principle of local autonomy under the Local Government Code, emphasizing that issues involving traffic flow, transport regulation, road safety, and public convenience fall under the authority of local government units.
Earlier this month, the city government of Davao ordered the immediate closure of Green GSM Philippines Taxi’s Davao depot in JFM Sasa Property after the company launched its all-electric taxi service on December 15 without securing the required local permits and clearances.
According to the city government of Davao, Green GSM has yet to obtain a business permit, locational and building clearances, as well as the required endorsement from the City Transport and Traffic Management Board and the Sangguniang Panlungsod for its franchise application with the LTFRB-Davao.
