EV groups lament lack of details on EO review granting tax breaks

The possible inclusion of electric motorcycles in an executive order (EO) granting lower tariff rates for electric vehicles (EVs), their parts, and components remains uncertain as EV groups lament the lack of details on its ongoing mandatory review.

The Electric Kick Scooter (EKS) Philippines and Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) earlier appealed to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) to recommend the amendments to EO No. 12 to include e-motorcycles amid its mandatory review starting February12.

Details on the review process have yet to be released but NEDA Chief Arsenio Balisacan last year said the mandatory review would focus on the possible inclusion of electric motorcycles in the import tariff exemption, as he said this would “help Filipinos choose sustainable means of transportation.”

“The inclusion of e-motorcycles in the import tariff incentives will take center stage once the mandatory review of Executive Order No. 12 Series of 2023 takes effect nine months from now,” Balisacan said last May.

Under EO 12, e-motorcycles are still subjected to a 30% tariff rate, while only two-wheeled e-vehicles not exceeding 250w and with a maximum speed of 25 km/hour have 0% import duties.

GMA News Online reached out to Balisacan for comment.

For its part, the Department of Trade and Industry- (DTI) said it would forward the NEDA’s findings and recommendations regarding EO No. 12 to the  Office of the President for possible revision.—RF, GMA Integrated News