Senator Hontiveros pushes EV development to curb oil dependence

Senator Risa Hontiveros pushed for the stronger development of electric vehicles (EVs) in the Philippines, including expanding local assembly and boosting parts manufacturing, as part of efforts to lessen the country’s dependence on imported oil.

Speaking during the third public hearing of the Proactive Response and Oversight for Timely and Effective Crisis Strategy (PROTECT) Committee on Monday, April 13, Hontiveros cited EV industry feedback indicating missed opportunities for local investment.

“On EVs, one Filipino manufacturing stakeholder said they no longer plan to set up a plant here because Vietnam already has sufficient supply, but encouraged us to increase our EV capacity,” she said.

She stressed that the country should go beyond vehicle assembly and move into manufacturing EV components to improve energy security.

Senator Win Gatchalian echoed her position, emphasizing that using electric vehicles is crucial to reducing the reliance on imported oil.

“I support the statements of Sen. Risa Hontiveros. The only way for us to break our addiction to oil is through electric vehicles. We are too dependent on imported oil, and EVs are the only solution,” he said.

Hontiveros also brought up broader energy policy concerns, including proposals to amend or repeal the Oil Deregulation Law, as well as discussions on the role of the Philippine National Oil Company and potential changes to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act.