Two weeks ago, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) opened 7,500 new slots for ride-hailing services in Metro Manila. At the time, however, hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) were excluded, as battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) were the only ones allowed to be used for transport network vehicle services (TNVS).

Fast forward two weeks later, the LTFRB announced that HEVs are now included in the TNVS slots for Metro Manila. Under Memorandum Circular 2026-107, the remaining 1,200 slots can now be used by HEVs, thereby allowing more operators to transition to electrified vehicles beyond EVs and PHEVs.

With it, the LTFRB says that allowing HEVs to avail of the remaining slots will maximize their utilization, address continuing passenger demand, and broaden EV options to TNVS operators.

Previously, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) sought to have HEVs included in the list and has already communicated with the LTFRB. In addition, TMP mentioned that HEVs are part of the EV classification under Republic Act No. 11697, or the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA). Moreover, the Electric Vehicle Incentive Strategy (EVIS) also includes HEVs as part of the country's vehicle electrification strategy.

With HEVs now included, expect to see more hybrids operating as ride-hailing vehicles, as Memorandum Circular 2026-107 by the LTFRB comes into effect today, September 30, 2026.