President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. said during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 27, 2026, that some of the modern “Love Bus” vehicles operating in Davao City are expected to be among the units that will transition to electric vehicles (EVs).

“Ang ilang makabagong Love Bus at ang articulated bus na gagamitin sa Davao City ay mga EV,” Marcos said.

According to a report by GMA Super Radyo Davao, the Love Bus service was launched in Davao City in 2025 to address the shortage of public transportation in the city, serving routes such as Lasang-Roxas via J.P. Laurel Avenue and U.M. Matina-Mintal, and vice versa.

According to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board-Davao (LTFRB-11), the Love Bus Free Ride Program will continue its operations, with buses maintaining their scheduled trips from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Marcos said the government aims to have half of all vehicles in the country powered by electricity by 2040.

As part of the government’s clean energy driver, the President said the government urged the adoption of EVs, as all tariffs on EVs have been removed until 2028 to help make them more affordable.

Government agencies have also been directed to prioritize the adoption of EVs as part of their fleet modernization plans.

During his SONA, Marcos said those who modernized their vehicles, particularly by shifting to hybrid and EVs, were spared from the impact of rising fuel prices triggered by the tension in the Middle East.

“Ang mga nag-modernize ng mga sasakyan, lalo na ang mga lumipat sa mga hybrid at electric vehicles, ay hindi nakaramdam ng kurot ng pagtaas ng presyo ng petrolyo,” Marcos said.

Marcos said the government’s clean energy policy aims not only to promote the adoption of EVs but also to boost domestic industries involved in the EV value chain, including vehicle assembly, battery manufacturing, and the production of related spare parts.

“Kaya hinihiling ko ang suporta ng buong industriya upang mapaandar na natin sa lalong madaling panahon ang ating minimithing Modernisasyon ng mga Pampublikong Sasakyan. Titiyakin natin na magiging makatao, magaan, at makatarungan ang pagpapatupad nito,” Marcos said.