Mobility and sustainability for more Filipinos

March 21, 2023

Filipinos have long suffered the consequences of an unreliable and oppressive public transportation system. The added time, expense, and aggravation of being a commuter or motorist in the Philippines have taken so much in terms of productivity and the quality of life of the people.

As a result, millions have taken matters into their own hands, resorting to using two-wheeled motorcycles to get from one place to another, to go to and from work. These types of vehicles are now a common sight on any thoroughfare, but what is not seen is the toll that these are taking on the environment – and on the health of the people who use them.

We are certain that the Palace had good intentions when it issued Executive Order 12, granting tax incentives to those purchasing electric four-wheel vehicles, using a cleaner energy source. What our Executive might have overlooked, however, is that these owners of four-wheeled vehicles are not the ones that need help the most. It is the masses that need this kind of incentive as they try to find ways to get around in the most cost-effective way they can.

Sustainable transportation need not be a luxury that can only be afforded by well-off members of society. The EO should be expanded so that buyers of electric two- and three-wheeled vehicles – likely those struggling to make ends meet and earn a decent living – are given the chance to make a sustainable, affordable transport decision.

We urge Malacañang to reassess and expand EO 12 for it to be truly inclusive and game changing.