BAGUIO CITY – Mayor Benjamin Magalong has opposed the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board proposal to deploy 100 electric taxis here.

Magalong said the plan should undergo consultations and consider road and transportation constraints here.

He proposed reducing the number of taxis while increasing public transportation vehicles with higher capacity to ease congestion.

Data collected in the first four months of 2023 showed that taxis compose 42 percent of vehicles on roads here, followed by private vehicles at 31 percent, motorcycles at 16 percent, Public Utility Jeepneys at eight percent, and trucks and buses at three percent.

The proposal was submitted by Design Green and Smart Corp. through its subsidiary Romansa Mobility Land Transport Service.

The company is seeking the city government’s approval and endorsement from the LTFRB-Cordillera Administrative Region for the franchising and operation of electric taxis.

Magalong said he will not allow the proposal in its current form as the city already has too many taxis. The mayor said that while he prefers electric taxis for environmental reasons, the deployment of additional units should follow a strict “one-in, one-out” policy to avoid worsening traffic congestion.

"I will never allow this," noting that franchising decisions are made by the LTFRB Central Office in Quezon City without proper consultation with regional offices and local government units. He said the city government, which directly manages traffic conditions, should be involved in such decisions.

In response, LTFRB Chairman Vigor Mendoza promised Magalong that he will immediately discuss the concerns with his team and expressed his willingness to arrange a courtesy meeting with city officials to plan specific measures.

Mendoza said they have not opened applications for new franchises, including taxis in the city, since he took office in October 2025 and future decisions will be made only with the city's endorsement.

"I assure you that we will not open any new franchise without consulting and obtaining your favorable endorsement," Mendoza said.

Magalong welcomed the assurance and urged the LTFRB to help re-examine the city's Local Public Transport Route Plan (LPTRP). He pointed out the need to use data-driven methods in determining the appropriate number of PUJs and routes.