Mobility advocate laments exclusion of e-motorcycles in EO on zero tariff for EVs

A mobility advocate has lamented the exclusion of electric motorcycles in the executive order which temporarily modified the import duty rate on electric vehicles (EVs), parts, and components to zero for a period of five years.

In a statement, mobility advocacy group Electric Kick Scooter of the Philippines (EKS PH) co-founder Tim Vargas said it is “unfair” that electric motorcycles were not given tax breaks like other types of electric vehicles.

Vargas said that two-wheeled electric motorcycles were left out under Executive Order No. 12 series of 2023 which temporarily modifies the tariff rate for electric vehicles and components.

Under the EO 12, only kick scooters, self-balancing cycles, bicycles, and pocket motorcycles with auxiliary motors not exceeding 250 watts and with a maximum speed of 25 kilometers per hour have zero percent import duties while electric motorcycles are still subject to 30% tariff rate.

“It’s very sad that it’s not part of the EO 12 and we’re hoping na ma-amend ito o gawan ng panibagong EO para maihabol (this will be amended or a new EO will be created to include this),” Vargas said.

He said the exclusion of electric motorcycles in the EO 12 should be clarified further and revisited by the executive committee.

“I will find it very unfair if hindi nila maayos ‘yon kasi siyempre we're in a democratic country so dapat halos lahat mapagbigyan naman,” Vargas said.

GMA News Online reached out to Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno and National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Arsenio Balisacan for comment but they have yet to issue one as of posting time.

On the other hand, the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) earlier welcomed the issuance of the EO.

"Finally our EV industry will totally roll out in line with Executive Order No. 12 of PBBM (President Bongbong Marcos) as it opens a very good opportunity for those interested EV enthusiasts and advocates to own one," EVAP president Edmund Araga said in a statement.

"Consumers will experience a wide array of models to choose from depending on their preferences," he added.—AOL, GMA Integrated News