Taguig City: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday encouraged Tesla to consider manufacturing electric vehicles (EVs) in the Philippines as part of efforts to adopt a sustainable transport system and reduce carbon emissions. During the launch of the Tesla Center Philippines in Taguig City, Marcos said Tesla's presence in the country not only supports environmental sustainability but also empowers the local workforce.
According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos highlighted the recent inauguration of a cutting-edge facility for the production of advanced iron phosphate batteries, which are crucial for EV manufacturing. He is optimistic that such developments would encourage more companies to invest in the sector. Tesla officially entered the Philippines on Nov. 8, 2024, through its subsidiary, Tesla Motors Philippines Inc., making it its fourth market in Southeast Asia, following Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia.
Marcos pointed to key government policies aimed at boosting sustainable transportation, including the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Act, which removes excise taxes on battery electric vehicles, and the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act, which offers incentives such as duty-free importation for charging stations and prioritization of EV registration.
Marcos also declared that EVs are the future of the Philippines' transportation system, calling Tesla's entry into the market a significant step toward the country's long-term environmental goals. He emphasized that the Philippines, with its vulnerable geography, continues to bear the brunt of climate change impacts, and addressing this requires swift, aggressive action.
The President praised Tesla's entry into the Philippine market as a major step forward in achieving environmental objectives. He stressed that while electric vehicles are currently seen as premium products, Tesla's presence signals much more than high-tech cars on the road. It represents a significant step forward in the country's transformation towards a more environment-friendly transportation system.
Tesla's presence, Marcos stressed, is a milestone that will help the Philippines transition to cleaner and more sustainable forms of mobility, setting the stage for future growth in the electric vehicle sector. The Philippines is determined to continue on its path toward sustainable development, particularly in the transportation sector, as part of its broader efforts to fight climate change and secure a healthier future for the nation, the President reiterated.
