Francisco Motors Corporation (FMC) is one of the country's pioneering jeepney builders. Over the years, FMC transitioned from refurbishing war-era jeeps to designing its iconic models, including its modern electric jeepney launched around 2018. FMC’s modern electric jeep costs around ₱985,000/unit—far cheaper than government-endorsed modern jeepneys priced between ₱1.3 and 3 million. 85% locally built (body, motor, chassis); batteries still imported, but for the first 1000 units only. These modern jeeps are designed with urban routes in mind, offering a 150 km range (approximately five trips) and utilizing 50 kWh batteries, which can be charged via the CCS2 standard.
As add-on options, the package includes modern features: AC,
CCTV, GPS, cashless fares, wheelchair ramps for PWDs, speed limiters, and
emergency exits—while keeping the classic jeepney aesthetic.
Although FMC produces affordable, culturally resonant units,
several obstacles hinder its inclusion in the government’s PUV
Modernization Program (PUVMP), such as the lack of official accreditation from the LTFRB and
the DOTR. Francisco Motors is still pursuing
this certification to meet the Philippine National Standards, or PNS.
Secondly, FMC's “TsuperHero” program—offering free
jeeps and unlimited rides—can't
proceed without route memoranda from LTFRB. Francisco’s CEO has criticized the
LTFRB
for delays in approving permits and for not providing concrete timelines. Also,
the FMC’s proposed fare model (flat-rate
unli-ride) clashes with LTFRB rules mandating distance-based fares.
Despite government intentions to set aside funds to
subsidize co-payments and assist drivers and operators who are having trouble raising
cash to update their vehicles, they will still be unable to access these
funds without certification and government support. Even with the endorsement
of the House of Representatives under Martin Romualdez, compliance remains the
guiding factor.
Underlying reasons include
• All the "modernized
jeepneys," which are actually improvised trucks or mini-buses, are made by foreign businesses. No
Filipino manufacturer is on the short list of DOTr-accredited modern jeepney
producers.
•A lack of support from foreign partners and governmental
power. FMC designed and manufactured their automobiles from the ground up, in contrast to others who simply repackaged kits from Japanese, Chinese, Indian, and Korean sources. This, unfortunately,
made it difficult to get swift accreditation from our foreign
manufacturer-focused administration. But FMC never stopped trying.
Why Francisco Motors E‑Jeeps Matter
Financially accessible
With a price tag under
₱1 million—about a third of some alternatives—it’s within reach of more operators and
cooperatives.
Job creation and localization
Built
in Bicol’s Camarines Norte economic zone, FMC aims to produce up to 25,000
units annually—creating local manufacturing jobs.
Environmentally impactful
Studies show modern eJeeps drastically cut carbon monoxide, particulate matter,
and NOₓ
(nitrogen oxides) emissions—key for air quality. FMC’s fully electric model ramps up this benefit.
Cultural preservation
Retaining the iconic “king of the road” design, FMC helps maintain Filipino
identity—something foreign-made minibuses lack.
Driver-Operator Friendly Terms
Today, FMC surpasses government accreditation. They’re disrupting the industry
again. The Francisco Motors patriarch’s boundary-hulog
system gave OFWs and hardworking Filipinos a jeepney, the means to
feed their families, and send their kids to school.
The
TsuperHero™️ Program, a groundbreaking Francisco Motors innovation,
empowers operators and drivers directly. Their initiative offers free PINOY
Transporter contemporary jeepneys and ELEKTRON electric/hydrogen fuel cell
tricycles to qualified operators and drivers with valid franchises.
They'll provide legitimate public utility drivers who join their TsuperHero Program with free modern autos. Not a loan. It's not a trick. FMC honors their 78-year-old devoted clients by giving back to them.
With Speaker
Romualdez publicly championing local PUVs—and Maharlika Investment Corp.
involved—policy backing is growing. If barriers are removed, Francisco Motors
could spearhead a sustainable, locally sourced, and culturally resonant
e-jeepney shift nationwide. Francisco Motors E‑Jeeps matter—they’re affordable,
eco-friendly, culturally authentic, and built for Filipinos by Filipinos. But
bureaucratic bottlenecks—lack of accreditation, slow permits, misaligned fare
systems, and limited subsidies—are holding them back from becoming a mainstream
part of jeepney modernization. Solving these issues could unlock massive
benefits: cleaner skies, better livelihoods, and a beloved icon reborn for the
future.
As a whole, Francisco Motors represents a potential win-win:
modern, affordable, local, and culturally protective. But unless certification,
clear permit pathways, robust subsidy structures, and charging infrastructure
are in place, its impact will remain limited. To the jeepney drivers, FMC
Video: Francisco Motors Modern
Jeepney in action.
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