CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — A new fleet of electric taxis from Vietnam is headed to Northern Mindanao, promising commuters another travel option—but not yet in Cagayan de Oro. 

Green GSM, an electric taxi company founded in Vietnam, is preparing to operate across Region 10 after its vehicles arrived in El Salvador City, Misamis Oriental. However, commuters hoping to book one for trips within Cagayan de Oro will have to wait. 

Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB)-10 Regional Director Aljo Bendijo said the company is still completing regulatory requirements before commercial operations begin. 

For now, the rule is simple: Green GSM taxis may bring passengers into Cagayan de Oro but cannot pick up new passengers inside the city. 

That means a passenger traveling from another part of Region 10 may be dropped off in CDO using a Green GSM taxi, but residents cannot yet hail or book one for trips starting within the city. 

The agency has not announced when the service will officially launch or whether the operating restrictions could change. 

Who owns Green GSM? 

Green GSM is not a Philippine company. It is operated by Green and Smart Mobility Philippines Inc., the local subsidiary of Vietnam's Green and Smart Mobility Joint Stock Company (GSM), founded by Vietnamese businessman Pham Nhat Vuong, chairman of Vingroup.

The fleet uses VinFast electric vehicles, another Vingroup company, as part of its push to expand electric mobility across Southeast Asia.

Why local taxi drivers are worried 

Not everyone is welcoming the new service. 

Bernie Jamaca, president of the CAFETADA Taxi Federation, appealed to local officials to protect the livelihood of taxi drivers and operators, saying the entry of another transport provider could intensify competition.

"Dili nato gusto nang langyaw," Jamaca said during an interview with Bombo Radyo.

His group fears the arrival of a foreign-backed operator could affect an industry still coping with rising fuel prices and operating costs.

What this means for commuters 

If Green GSM begins operating as planned, commuters across Northern Mindanao could eventually gain access to quieter, all-electric taxis that produce no tailpipe emissions.

For now, however, the biggest change is limited. 

You cannot yet use Green GSM for trips that start inside Cagayan de Oro. 

LTFRB-10 said more details—including the official launch date, service areas and operating guidelines—will be announced once the company secures all required approvals. 

Until then, regular taxis remain the only option for passengers traveling within the city. (Ben Balce, Editorial Lead)