Manila: Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) is considering establishing a modern battery manufacturing facility for electric vehicles as part of its PHP7 billion investment under the government's Electric Vehicle Incentive Strategy (EVIS) program. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed Executive Order (EO) No. 121 on July 29, 2026, paving the way for the EVIS program to incentivize local manufacturing of electric vehicles (EVs) and their parts and components.

According to Philippines News Agency, MMPC chairperson Noriaki Hirakata, in a briefing Monday, said they have already talked with several government officials regarding their bid to invest at least PHP7 billion for the EVIS program. Hirakata emphasized the significance of this commitment, stating that they plan not only to develop but also to assemble the batteries for hybrid EVs in the Philippines.

Hirakata mentioned that MMPC is awaiting the specific rules of the EVIS program. He expressed the company's ambition to make their new technology competitive, equal to their production facilities in Thailand or Indonesia, and even compared to plants in Japan. He highlighted the importance of localizing the program step by step and disclosed that MMPC is in discussions with several domestic automotive parts players to support their planned EV manufacturing bid.

Authorities have noted that the EVIS program is expected to provide Filipinos with more options for EVs as the government moves towards the use of more renewable energy, aiming to reduce dependence on imported oil. Once domestic EV production becomes fully operational, the prices of EVs are projected to decline by 6 to 12 percent compared to current levels, potentially encouraging more consumers to purchase their own units.