THE CITY government called on the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to look into the operations of Green GSM Taxis.
“We strongly urge the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to investigate Green GSM Taxis’ operations following their launch on December 15,” the city government said in a statement on Tuesday, Dec. 16.
TIMES has reached out to the representative of Green GSM to respond to the issue, but has yet to receive a reply as of press time.
To note, Vietnam-based company Green GSM formally launched its all-electric taxi service on Monday, Dec. 15, at Davao Port, KM 11 Sasa here, marking the company’s first expansion outside Metro Manila.
Dao Quy Phi, Green GSM Southeast Asia managing director, said the company aimed to provide a modern yet environmentally friendly alternative means of transportation to the public.
The city government released a statement as the operator of Green GSM Taxis reportedly has yet comply with all necessary permits from government agencies before operating within the City of Davao.
For instance, the company allegedly has not yet secured a business permit, locational clearance, and a building permit for its facilities.
It added that Green GSM has not obtained a recommendation from the City Transport and Traffic Management Board (CTTMB) and from the Sangguniang Panlungsod for their franchise application with the LTFRB, in line with the mandate of the Comprehensive Transport and Traffic Code Ordinance of Davao City (Ordinance No. 0334-12).
“Until all required permits are fully obtained and complied with, their operations are considered illegal,” it added.
While the city government supports an “environmentally cleaner” mode of transportation, it does not condone any company that “blatantly disregards” local ordinances.
“Companies may choose to bypass regulations elsewhere, but such behavior will not be allowed in Davao City,” the city government stressed.
Green GSM has allocated $500 million for operations in the Philippines, covering Metro Manila, Cebu, and Davao City, with a full commitment of $1 billion. This is the fourth country in which the firm is operating. The other countries include Vietnam, Laos, and Indonesia.
