President Bongbong Marcos on Tuesday renewed his administration’s push to develop a strong local electric vehicle (EV) industry, with the immediate goal of producing an all-Filipino electric tricycle before eventually moving toward electric jeepneys.
Marcos visited MD Juan Enterprises Inc. in Caloocan City to assess what the company needs to expand its manufacturing operations into EV production. The visit focused on the equipment, technology, and government assistance needed to develop locally made electric vehicles.
“Tinitingnan namin kung ano yung mga kailangan gawin para kaya na nila na makapag-fabricate ng all-Filipino na electric tricycle,” Marcos said.
“Maybe down the road makagawa na tayo ng jeepney,” he added.
MD Juan Enterprises, a beneficiary of the DOST’s e-mobility program, currently produces machine-pressed metal parts and restoration kits for vintage, military, and civilian jeeps.
Marcos said the company’s vehicle fabrication experience could help advance the country’s efforts to establish a domestic EV manufacturing industry. The government is assessing the additional equipment needed and the assistance that the DOST and other agencies can provide as the company shifts toward EV production.
The President said locally made electric vehicles could reduce the country’s reliance on imported petroleum products while strengthening domestic manufacturing.
He also pointed to potential benefits for transport workers, saying a growing EV industry could provide more stable and sustainable livelihood opportunities.
The administration has been promoting e-mobility as part of its efforts to modernize public transportation and boost local industries.
Marcos earlier approved a ₱60-billion incentives program aimed at attracting EV manufacturers to set up production in the Philippines. In his fifth SONA, he also said he wants electric vehicles to become more common on Philippine roads, with a goal of having half of all vehicles run on electricity by 2040.
