Palace urged: Expand tax breaks for e-vehicles

MANILA, Philippines — A group advocating the rights of consumers wants two- and three-wheeled vehicles included in an executive order signed by President Marcos granting tax incentives to electric vehicles.

Louie Montemar, co-convenor of Bantay Konsyumer, Kalsada, Kuryente or BK3, said Executive Order (EO) 12 issued by Malacañang in January should be amended.

“The tax breaks given to owners of e-vehicles should also be enjoyed by workers,” Montemar said in a statement.

“The EO is discriminatory because it covers only four-wheeled cars. It does not cover a majority of the working class who use motorcycles and three-wheeled vehicles as well as public utility jeepneys,” he added.

The group said amending the EO would also be an opportunity for the government to allow motorcycles to shift away from fossil fuels.

“The zero import tax incentive for five years will allow consumers to consider better and environment-friendly alternatives,”  Montemar said.

Experts have warned that motorcycles are among the significant contributors to air pollution, accounting for almost half of the 2.9 million registered vehicles in Metro Manila.

“Motorcycles are popular because they are an affordable transport option for commuters,” Montemar said.