PIDS Urges the Government to Pass the Law Supporting EVs in the Philippines

The Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) suggests that the government should prioritize the passage of a law supporting electronic vehicles (EVs) in the country.

PIDS Supervising Research Specialist Maureen Ane Rosellon published a paper recommending the Philippine government “fast track” the approval of the EV Bill, otherwise known as House Bill (HB) No. 4075. 

In the paper, Rosellon mentioned the strong potential for growth in the Philippine EV industry due to its active support from industry players and the government. 

She urged the need to prioritize the approval of the EV Bill, which is currently pending in Congress. 

Rosellon stated, “An EV law will set the national policy and overall framework for regulations related to standards, incentives, infrastructure, and others. It can also signal investors that the industry is a priority sector.”

Last May, the Senate approved its counterpart Senate Bill No. 1382, also known as the proposed Electric Vehicles and Charging Stations Act. 

The measure seeks to lessen the EV sector’s dependence on imported supply by providing a more sustainable solution while benefiting the environment at the same time. 

During the ASEAN Electric Vehicle Outlook on Wednesday, July 7, the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) President Edmund Araga noted, “We would still have to wait for the Congressional version.”

He added, “The LTO signed [the] much-awaited AO licensing and registration of EVs. It is expected to clarify where EVS can run and the public can now be guided on their purchase decisions, also clearing the way for the local manufacturing industry to plan out their strategies.”

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) estimates that EVs will reach 300,000 or 21% share in total vehicles by 2030 and will increase further to 50% by 2040.