IMPOSING zero tariffs on hybrid vehicles is “not justifiable” right now as doing so would go against government’s goal of having electric vehicles ubiquitous in the industry, according to Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual.
“Kung magpapasok ka ng hybrid nare-reduce mo yung ano… it will not contribute to the attainment of that objective,” the Trade chief, who co-chairs the Board of Investments , noted. According to Pascual, government aims to encourage the setting up of charging stations, thus creating the “infrastructure that will support our transition to electric vehicles.”
Rodolfo said that when it comes to hybrid vehicles, the Philippines is “far behind” its neighbors when it comes to supply chain for ICE vehicles. The BOI managing head also stressed that hybrid vehicles are already subject to 50-percent exemption from excise tax. “Over time yan eh kaya sabi ko eventually pag free market na, kailangan muna natin ma-increase ‘yung population ng ,” the Trade chief said.