By Junex Doronio
COGNIZANT THAT THE PHILIPPINES has been dependent on imported fuels, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said it’s time to have fuel-free, safe, modern, and comfortable transportation to the masses and this can only be realized by using electric vehicles.
“Considering our continued dependence on imported fuels and the volatility of oil products in the world market, it is only sensible that we encourage the shift to electric vehicles,” the President said on Monday, October 16, at the launch of Dongfeng Motors in Pasig City.
Marcos Jr. also mentioned several measures and incentives to encourage the use of electric vehicles in the country.
“We not only get savings in fuel and gas, but also significantly lessen our greenhouse gas emissions and champion sustainability in our day-to-day activities,” the country’s Chief Executive quipped.
He also pointed out the government programs that promote the use of electric vehicles for personal or public transport.
PBBM said the government aims to increase the share of electric vehicles to 10 percent “or hopefully 50 percent by 2040.”
“As of late 2020, there are just around 8,800 electric vehicles in the country. So, to boost this number, we are working on the gradual shift to electric vehicles for public transportation,” Marcos Jr. noted.
He added that the government is implementing the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program where its beneficiaries are entitled to special loan facilities and equity subsidies for the acquisition of electric vehicles.
“To date, nearly 400 electric public utility vehicles are plying 29 routes nationwide, bringing safe, modern, comfortable, and green transportation to the masses,” PBBM said.
(ai/mnm)
