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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Mindanao devider Davao City Council OKs study on EV taxi operations

Davao City Council OKs study on EV taxi operations

Published Dec 23, 2025 08:40 pm
DAVAO CITY — The Davao City Council approved on Tuesday, Dec. 23, a resolution calling for a comprehensive study on the planned operation of electric vehicles, particularly EV taxis, in the city before any franchises are granted.
The resolution urged the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board to conduct a thorough study on the EV vehicles before allocating slots here.
The study is to be undertaken in coordination with the city government of Davao, the City Transport and Traffic Management Office, other concerned offices, and taxi operators and associations.
Councilor Jose Marie Bernardo Baluran, chairperson of the Committee on Transportation, said the proposed study should examine several key factors, including the impact on traffic flow, the current supply and demand for taxi services, the economic effects on existing taxi operators and drivers, and the readiness of local infrastructure.
He added that the availability of EV charging stations and the adequacy of the city’s power supply must also be assessed.
Baluran said the move was prompted by reports on the expected arrival and possible operation of about 600 electric vehicles in Davao City that he noted could have significant implications for traffic management, local governance, and public welfare.
The councilor said the transition to electric vehicles is, in principle, a welcome development. However, the arrival and possible operation of EV taxis in Davao City raised serious concerns, he added.
He said that records and confirmations from the relevant offices indicated that there was no prior consultation or coordination with the city government, particularly with the CTTMO.
No franchise application for EV taxis had been submitted to the CTTMO or endorsed to the Sangguniang Panlungsod for review and approval. This, he said, runs contrary to Section 151 of Davao City Ordinance No. 0334-12, also known as the Comprehensive Transport and Traffic Code of Davao City.
Baluran noted that the lack of coordination undermines the principle of local autonomy under the Local Government Code, stating that matters related to traffic flow, transport regulation, road safety, and public convenience fall within the authority of the local government.
“This is not about rejecting EV taxis, but ensuring that their entry into 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,” Baluran said.
The city government has expressed support for environmentally cleaner transportation initiatives, but emphasized that it will not tolerate companies that disregard local ordinances.

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