Politics · Philippines Bureau
Philippines targets locally-made EVs to slash oil import burden
President Ferdinand Marcos has pledged government support for developing electric vehicles manufactured in the Philippines, from tricycles to jeepneys, as part of efforts to reduce reliance on imported petroleum. The commitment signals a strategic pivot toward domestic EV production to address the country's energy security concerns.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — The Philippine government is throwing its weight behind the development of locally-produced electric vehicles as a cornerstone strategy to curb the nation's dependence on imported oil, President Ferdinand Marcos announced Tuesday.
During a visit to MD Juan Enterprises Inc. in Caloocan City, Marcos pledged government backing for efforts to manufacture fully Filipino-made electric vehicles. The initiative encompasses a broad range of transport solutions, including electric tricycles and jeepneys—the iconic public transport staples that dominate Philippine roads.
The push reflects growing concern over the country's petroleum import burden and the need to transition toward sustainable, domestically-produced alternatives. By developing local EV manufacturing capacity, the government aims to address both energy security and environmental objectives while potentially creating new industrial opportunities.
The commitment underscores the administration's focus on reducing external vulnerabilities tied to volatile global oil markets. Support for domestic EV production could also position the Philippines as a regional manufacturing hub in the emerging electric vehicle sector.