Make it easy for the public to own e-bikes, contribute to environmental good
September 14, 2023Make it easy for the public to own e-bikes, contribute to environmental good
CitizenWatch Philippines is calling on the Tariff Commission to act with urgency on the Energy Department’s recommendation to include two-and three-wheeled vehicles in an executive order providing incentives to the importation of electric vehicles.
The government has to do its part by enabling its citizens to make the shift to clean energy by making it easier for them to own electric vehicles.
The EO covering four-wheeled electric vehicles is already commendable. But its reach has to expand to other vehicles that are more affordable to maximize the full impact of introducing green transport options to the Filipino public.
This will certainly accelerate the shift away from air-polluting vehicles and provide an even better mobility experience to the people.
Electric vehicles, being new technology that is not yet mainstream, may come at prices beyond the purchasing power of ordinary Filipinos even if they shift to environment-friendly commuting, and even if they are clearly starved for efficient transport options given the sorry state of public transportation in the country.
Most importantly, the soaring price of fuel has made many Filipinos suffer.
Executive Order 12 EO lists vehicles that qualify for the temporary suspension of tariff rates for a period of five years. But while tariffs on four-wheeled electric vehicles are suspended, those for two- or three-wheeled electric vehicles are not.
The impetus for a shift to clean energy has been there for many years and the soaring price of oil makes EV the sensible alternative for serving the mobility needs of millions of daily commuters.
The clamor for accessible transport options powered by green technology is aligned to the people’s need to get to their daily destinations in a less expensive and environment friendly way.
Delaying the inclusion of e-bikes in the 5 year zero import tariff incentive of EO 12 is a policy disconnect from the government’s commitments to reduce carbon emissions. The opportunity to develop an electric vehicle industry as a new economic driver will not happen if our policies are half-hearted.
We hope that the Tariff Commission responds positively – and soon — to the clamor from the DOE, consumer groups, environmental advocates, and industry stakeholders to expand the importation incentives for two- and three-wheeled EVs. This will be for the benefit of the great majority of our riding public and our environment.
Atty Christopher “Kit” Belmonte
Co-convenor