Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC) said it will work closely with government agencies to ensure the swift processing and release of its incentives under the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS) Program, following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s veto of the program’s proposed 2026 budget allocation.
MMPC said the need for clear, predictable, and transparent procedures in implementing government incentive programs, saying these are critical to maintaining investor confidence—particularly at a time when manufacturers are reassessing long-term commitments amid policy uncertainty.
“MMPC continues to advocate for processes that uphold the integrity of programs like CARS,” the company said. It added that consistency in implementation is essential for companies that have already made significant investments based on existing policy frameworks.
MMPC, which marked its 60th year in the Philippines, highlighted its long-standing role in local industrial development.
Over six decades, the company said it has invested heavily in domestic manufacturing, expanded production capacity, and increased the localization of automotive parts—moves that directly align with the CARS Program’s goal of revitalizing the country’s automotive industry.
The CARS Program was designed to encourage large-scale local vehicle production by providing fiscal support to qualified participants.
MMPC joined the initiative through the local assembly of the Mitsubishi Mirage sedan and hatchback, one of the country’s top-selling passenger cars in recent years.
While the veto raised concerns within the automotive sector, MMPC said it respects the President’s decision, noting that it reflects the administration’s focus on fiscal discipline and responsible governance.
At the same time, the company underscored that the timely release of valid claims remains crucial to sustaining operations, protecting jobs, and ensuring the viability of local assembly programs already in place.
“MMPC remains committed to the long-term competitiveness and industrialization of the Philippine automotive sector,” the company said, citing its continued support for local manufacturing, employment generation, and sustainable economic growth.
For industry watchers, MMPC’s statement signals a balancing act—accepting tighter fiscal oversight while pressing for efficient execution of existing commitments to keep the country attractive to global manufacturers.
