Bongbong Marcos eyeing mostly e-vehicles on PH roads by 2040

File photo shows an electric vehicle being charged.

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday said he hopes to see electric vehicles makeup at least 50 percent of vehicles on the country’s roads by 2040.

Marcos said his target is driven by the Philippines’ promise to cut gas emissions by 75 percent as part of its agreement with the United Nations.  

“If we aim to fulfill our pledge to the Paris Agreement, we need to boost the share of electric vehicles in the total projected vehicle fleet nationwide. The government aims to increase the share of electric vehicles to 10 percent, or hopefully 50 percent by 2040,” said Marcos during the launch of Dongfeng Motors in the Philippines. 

To boost the shift to electric vehicles, Marcos said that the government will offer incentives to manufacturers of electric cars in the country.

Incentives for imported electric vehicles will likewise be made available.   

Marcos also touted the heavily contested public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program, which the previous administration initiated. 

“Currently, we are implementing the PUV modernization program. This entitles beneficiaries to special loan facilities and equity subsidies for the acquisition of electric vehicles,” said Marcos.  

The President’s comment on the PUV modernization program comes in light of a nationwide transport strike. 

Transport group Manibela is calling for the suspension of the PUV modernization program and also assailed alleged corrupt practices in regulatory government agencies.

gsg/abc