MANILA -- The government is committed to bringing safe, modern and comfortable transportation to the masses without depending on fossil fuels, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said on Monday.
Speaking during the launching of Dongfeng Motors in Pasig City, President Marcos said that the government has implemented several measures and incentives to encourage the use of electric vehicles in the country.
“Considering our continued dependence on imported fuels and the volatility of oil products in the world market, it is only sensible that we encourage the shift to electric vehicles,” Marcos said.
“We not only get savings in fuel and gas, but also significantly lessen our greenhouse gas emissions
and champion sustainability in our day-to-day activities,” he added.
In his speech, the President elaborated the government programs that encourage the use of electric vehicles as a means of personal or public transport.
He said the government aims to increase the share of electric vehicles to 10 percent “or hopefully 50 percent by 2040.”
“As of late 2020, there are just around 8,800 electric vehicles in the country. So, to boost this number, we are working on the gradual shift to electric vehicles for public transportation,” Marcos said.
The President said the government is currently implementing the Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) Modernization Program where its beneficiaries are entitled to special loan facilities and equity subsidies for the acquisition of electric vehicles.
“To date, nearly 400 electric public utility vehicles are plying 29 routes nationwide, bringing safe, modern, comfortable, and green transportation to the masses,” he said.
During the launch, President Marcos conveyed his gratitude to Legado Motors Inc. for partnering with Dongfeng in importing some of its electric vehicle models to the Philippines and offering them to the local market.
The President also encouraged the private sector to participate in government efforts to make the Philippines a part of the global chain of electric vehicles by investing in the manufacturing capabilities in the country.
“Strive with us as we generate more employment opportunities, enrich our people’s quality of life, and fostering more environmentally friendly communities,” Marcos told private businesses, promising to provide them fiscal incentives such as Income Tax Holiday and duty exemption of capital equipment, raw materials, and spare parts.
“Owning an electric vehicle here in the Philippines also confers a wide range of incentives and advantage. Aside from having priority in the registration and renewal of registration of vehicles at the Land Transportation Office, owners will also get to enjoy exemption from the number coding schemes, among others,” the President said.
Marcos said the use of electric vehicles as public transport reflects the Philippine government’s commitment to the Paris climate accord.
Under the Paris Agreement, the Philippines pledged to a projected greenhouse gas emissions reduction and avoidance of 75 percent for 2020 to 2030 in agriculture, wastes, industry, transport, and energy.
Based on available data, the Philippine transportation sector is the largest source of energy-related greenhouse gas emissions.
President Marcos cited Davao City where over 300 electric buses have been deployed to pioneer an integrated sustainable urban transport system, free from using fossil fuels.
He said that the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have also classified Electric Public Utility Vehicles under its Low Carbon Urban Transport Project, with more cities and urban centers adopting such scheme.
“More cities and urban centers are following suit. Now, some are testing the viability of electric vehicles and electric public transportation for their local needs and conditions,” President Marcos said.
“So, it’s my firm belief that these endeavors will not only gain momentum but also wider adoption moving forward as our people realize the benefits of these vehicles in their communities. So, I enjoin the public to support the programs and policies of the government as well as opt for alternative or renewable sources of energy,” the President during the inauguration of Dongfeng Motors Corp. on Monday.
Dongfeng, founded in 1969, is a Chinese state-owned company engaged in vehicle manufacturing, including the complete business systems related to automobiles.
It currently has joint ventures and cooperation with Citroen Peugeot, Nissan, Kia, and Honda. Last year, the company sold 2.92 million units of vehicles worldwide.
Legado Motors, Inc., on the other hand is a 100 percent Filipino-owned corporation established in 2018 engaged in the importation, sales, and dealership with Guangzhou Automobile Group Motor Co. Ltd., a Chinese automobile brand.
Its engagement with Dongfeng Motors will cover the distribution of passenger vehicles through the introduction of three Dongfeng EV models to the Philippine market. (PND)
