Group wants PH Tariff Commission to expedite tax incentives for imported electric cycles

An electric vehicle being charged. Stock photo

MANILA, Philippines — A group urged the Philippine Tariff Commission to expedite the Department of Energy’s (DOE) request to include two- and three-wheeled vehicles in the tax incentives being given to imported electric vehicles.

According to Citizen Watch Philippines co-convenor Christopher “Kit” Belmonte, this incentive will encourage more people to shift to the use of electric vehicles in a bid to provide more environment-friendly modes of transportation, as well as to save expenses, given the rising fuel prices.

“This will certainly accelerate the shift away from air-polluting vehicles and provide an even better mobility experience to the people […] Most importantly, the soaring price of fuel has made many Filipinos suffer,” Belmonte said.

Under Executive Order (EO) 12, which was signed by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in January, certain electric vehicles were provided with reduced tariff rates for five years.

In August, the DOE submitted a request to include two- and three-wheeled electric vehicles in the reduced tariff rates, but it is still pending.

According to Belmonte, this delay is in contrast with the administration’s goal of cleaner air and environment and reducing carbon emissions. The proposal will also hold the country’s aim of setting itself as an electric vehicle industry.

“Delaying the inclusion of e-bikes in the five-year zero-import tariff incentive of EO 12 is a policy disconnect from the government’s commitments to reduce carbon emissions. The opportunity to develop an electric vehicle industry as a new economic driver will not happen if our policies are halfhearted,” Belmonte added.

Belmonte also said that the public will benefit largely from the tariff incentives, once approved.

“We hope that the [Tariff] Commission will soon respond positively to the clamor from the DOE, consumer groups, environmental advocates, and industry stakeholders expand the importation incentives the 2 and 3 wheeled EVs for the benefit of the great majority of our riding public and our environment,” said Belmonte.

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