Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig City
January 20, 2025
“At the beginning of this Administration, we have been resolute in formulating goals and establishing steps to help us minimize the impact of global warming… Among these steps is having been selected as a host to the Board of the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage. That ensures that the Philippines has a loud voice in shaping the future of international climate policies and actions,” said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. when he led the launching of the Tesla Center Philippines at the Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in Taguig City.
In his speech, the President emphasized that the national government must take aggressive and swift action to mitigate the effects of climate change, citing that the Philippines has also made strides toward sustainable development in its transport system by reducing carbon emissions from vehicles.
“The government understands that transitioning to electric vehicles is a complex journey, one that requires vision and a great deal of strong and committed concrete action to make it practical, inclusive, and impactful for every Filipino,” he stated.
Under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Act, excise taxes on full battery-operated vehicles have been removed, making these advanced technologies more competitive with traditional options. Meanwhile, the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA) offers duty-free importation for charging stations, lower user fees for EV owners, and prioritized registration and traffic privileges.
To further demonstrate the Administration’s commitment to clean energy, the President highlighted additional measures to support the aforementioned laws. These include the Comprehensive Roadmap for the Electric Vehicle Industry (CREVI), which aims for a 50% market share of EVs in the Philippines by 2040 under a clean energy scenario, and Executive Order (E.O.) No. 62, which reduces tariffs on four-wheel and motorcycle EVs — whether pure electric or hybrid — to zero until 2028.
“More than helping environmental sustainability, Tesla also empowers our workforce. Every hire represents an investment in the Filipino talent that will drive this transition forward. With plans to expand further, Tesla is building a generation of Filipinos equipped to lead in the global shift towards sustainable technologies such as this,” he continued.
He likewise noted that in September 2024, the Administration inaugurated a state-of-the-art facility that produces advanced iron phosphate batteries, an essential component in EVs. “With a more conducive and empowering environment now taking shape for the EV industry, I am very optimistic that more companies will seize the opportunity to drive this very vital sector in the coming years,” he added.
Furthermore, the Chief Executive expressed his deepest gratitude to Tesla Inc. for trusting the Philippines, highlighting that their investment extends beyond transportation and infrastructure; it is in the people and potential of the country.
“To the Filipino people, let us work together to ensure that this milestone runs parallel with our shared journey towards sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation… The path forward is ours to create — bold, purposeful, and uniquely Filipino,” President Marcos Jr. concluded in his speech.
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