Cebu taxi drivers oppose 3,000 new TNVS, EV taxi franchises

CEBU CITY, Philippines- An association of Cebu taxi drivers filed a petition against the issuance of additional franchises to 2,000 Transportation Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) and 1,000 electric vehicle (EV) taxis.

They filed the petition last week, addressed to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and other government leaders. The group has around 6,000 members.

The group sought the immediate review, suspension, and reconsideration of LTFRB Memorandum Circular No. 2026-037. That circular authorizes the opening and issuance of 1,000 additional electric taxi franchises in Metro Cebu.

READ THIS, TOO: Taxi operators sue LTFRB over 1,000 EV taxi slots in Cebu

Cebu’s taxi drivers also questioned LTFRB Board Resolution No. 079 series of 2026, which authorizes the opening of 2,000 additional TNVS franchises in Metro Cebu.

Cebu taxi drivers say they’re struggling

“To government regulators, these may merely be numbers on papers. To us, they represent thousands of additional vehicles competing for the same limited pool of passengers,” the petition reads.

During a general assembly of the Cebu Group of Taxi Drivers Inc., on Tuesday, June 23, in the old Sacred Heart School campus on Gen. Maxilom Avenue in Cebu City, the group discussed their petition.

The Cebu taxi drivers’ association also sent the petition to:

Department of Transportation (DOTr) Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez;

Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chairperson Vigor Mendoza II;

LTFRB-7 Regional Director Abosamen Matuan;

House Committee on Transportation Chairperson Rep. Franz Pumaren; and

Senate Committee on Public Services Chairperson Sen. Raffy Tulfo.

Cebu taxi drivers’ income declining

Every additional franchise issued, they said, directly affects the earning capacity of existing drivers who are already struggling to survive.

They said that for many years, they have silently endured changes in the transportation industry without complaint and witnessed the emergence of TNVS services.

However, their silence should not be interpreted as acceptance.

READ MORE: Move to convert 600 electric vehicles into taxi units slammed

“Our concern is not theoretical; it is directed at specific government actions that will further increase the number of transport units operating in Metro Cebu despite the already severe decline in the income of existing taxi drivers,” the group added.

Asking for a full consultation

Before, they said that a taxi driver in Cebu could earn an average of ₱800 to ₱1,000 per day. Today, many of them earn only ₱300 to ₱500 per day due to competition, despite driving for 10 to twelve hours or more.

“Many drivers now struggle to pay for food, electricity, water, school expenses, fuel, boundary payments, vehicle maintenance, and other daily necessities. After spending an entire day driving, many of us return home with barely enough income to support our families,” the petition further stated.

They also claimed that the memorandum did not undergo a public consultation.

Recommended: Transportation impact study

The Cebu taxi drivers’ group urged the government to conduct a comprehensive economic and transportation impact study to determine whether additional units are truly necessary.

They asked for a meaningful consultation with taxi drivers, operators, consumers, and stakeholders before any further expansion of franchises is approved. They also asked the government to adopt policies that balance the interests of commuters with the welfare and livelihood of drivers and operators.

Adding to taxi drivers and transport operators’ woes this year is the rapid increase in fuel prices since February 28, when the United States and Israel began a war against Iran that has choked the world’s supply of fuel.

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