Davao City shuts down Green GSM taxi depot over permit violations
By Ivy Tejano
DAVAO CITY – The Davao City government ordered the immediate closure of Green and Smart Mobility Philippines Inc. (Green GSM) at the Davao depot in JFM Sasa Property after the company launched its all-electric taxi service without securing the required local permits and clearances.
The closure order was issued through the Business Bureau, which posted a notice at the company’s gate directing the suspension of operations.
Green GSM formally launched its electric taxi service on Dec. 15, marketing the fleet as an environmentally friendly transportation option.
City officials, however, stressed that sustainability initiatives do not exempt businesses from complying with local regulations.
However, according to the city government, Green GSM has not yet obtained a business permit, locational clearance, building permit, or the mandatory endorsements from the City Transport and Traffic Management Board and the Sangguniang Panlungsod, all required for its franchise application with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board–Davao.
“Until all required permits are fully obtained and complied with, their operations are considered illegal,” the city government said in a statement earlier, adding that non-compliance with regulations will not be tolerated in Davao City.
In a separate advisory, LTFRB-Davao reminded the company that it must complete all regulatory requirements before operating as an air-conditioned electric vehicle taxi service.
The LTFRB-Davao stated that compliance with national rules and city-issued clearances is a prerequisite for obtaining a Certificate of Public Convenience.
It added that Green GSM was formally informed of its obligations before it could legally operate as a public utility transport provider in the city.
The agency reiterated its call for all public utility vehicle operators and CPC applicants to adhere to national and local regulations strictly, ensuring safe and lawful transport services.
The city government urged LTFRB-Davao and the Land Transportation Office-Region 11 to investigate Green GSM’s operations, underscoring the city’s firm stance on regulatory enforcement.