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City asks LTO, LTFRB to look into Green GSM Taxis 

by Nova Mae Francas
written by Nova Mae Francas

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.

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Business

City to incentivize operation, distribution of electric-powered vehicles

by Nova Mae Francas
written by Nova Mae Francas

LAWMAKERS are seeking to amend the Incentive Code to incentivize operations and distribution of electric powered vehicles, the Davao City Investment Promotions Center (DCIPC) said.

During the “Business Forum at NCCC” on Friday, Christian Cambaya, head of the DCIPC’s Investor Assistance and Servicing Unit, said incentivizing e-vehicles as green investments is part of the proposed amendments.

“We have conducted committee hearings twice with the trade, commerce and industry committee and the environment committee, and we proposed to amend the Incentive Code,” Cambaya said.

While a national law for incentivization, it is limited to research and development, manufacturing, disposal of batteries, so the local government wants to craft its own legislation.

“We added a new unique to the city government. Now, distribution will also be incentivized, car dealers selling electric vehicles will also be provided incentives, as long as they sell electric vehicles,” he added.

The incentives will be uniform in all priority investment areas, which includes green investments in this matter.

The proposal includes a five-year business tax exemption, three years for real property tax, and five years for mayor’s permit, which are significantly higher than the present three for business tax exemption, two for real property tax, and three for mayor’s permit.

Cambaya said this will lure more investors not only on green investments, but other priority areas such as food manufacturing, logistics businesses, infrastructure technology sector, agriculture technology and digital health systems and health sector.

Vietnamese firms Green and Smart Mobility (GSM) and VinFast are set to launch the electric powered taxi units in the city on November 28.

The 500 e-vehicles arrived at the Port of Davao in late October. However, not all 500 units will be operated directly by GSM, as it is looking for distributors.

“Currently there are 500 taxis now in the port and they have already found an area with a depot somewhere in Sasa,” he said.

Cambaya said the firm is going to operate in the city anytime soon pending approval of its permit and franchising requirements.

The investors have 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 the firm is operating. The other countries include Vietnam, Laos and Indonesia.

Photo credit: Metro Davao Rising

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