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Senator wants incentives for electric vehicle importers, manufacturers


Senate Committee on Energy Chairman Sherwin Gatchalian over the weekend called for the creation of a policy framework for the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in the Philippines moving forward.

Gatchalian on Sunday cited the need to develop a regulatory framework before the boom of the e-vehicle in the industry as batteries are expected to become much cheaper.

"We have to make sure that we have the right policies, the right infrastructure, and the right incentives to we will be ready to roll out the EVs in a big way," he said in an emailed statement.

The lawmaker has since filed Senate Bill 1382 or the Electric Vehicles and Charging Station Act, which aims to support the transition to new technologies, generate jobs, and attract investments to grow globally competitive.

Currently up for interpellation in the Senate, the measure aims to provide fiscal and non-fiscal incentives for the importation, utilization, and manufacture of EVs in the country.

This includes a nine-year exemption from value-added tax, customs duties, and discounts on the motor vehicle user's charge, as well as the expedited registration procedures for EV users.

The bill also aims to reduce the Philippines' dependence on oil, with the country saving an estimated P297.92 billion from annual oil importation.

In his statement, Gatchalian also cited that the adoption of EVs will help reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with the local transport sector contributing 31.6% of the GHG in 2017.

"If you want to reduce the GHG in the country, you hit the transport sector. If you want to increase the energy security in the country, you hit the transport sector," he said.

"That’s why our rationale for promoting the EVs in the country is to improve the air quality, improve environmental conditions, and promote energy security," he added. — DVM, GMA News

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