The government’s two major automotive manufacturing incentive programs are facing implementation delays, with the Electric Vehicle Incentive Strategy (EVIS) now expected to begin accepting applications in January 2027, while funding and regulatory requirements continue to hold back a parallel industry support scheme.
Trade Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo said the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of EVIS are undergoing final revisions following consultations among government agencies.
“There are minor changes,” Rodolfo said, referring to outstanding technical provisions, adding that fiscal matters had already been settled.
The Department of Trade and Industry expects to issue the IRR before year-end, pushing the opening of applications to January 2027 from the original October 2026 target.
Rodolfo said EVIS would likely be implemented ahead of the Revitalizing the Automotive Industry for Competitiveness Enhancement (RACE) program, whose joint administrative order remains under interagency review.
RACE also needs budgetary allocations to proceed, although the DTI has already submitted a funding request.
Meanwhile, Rodolfo confirmed that Vietnamese automaker VinFast intends to participate in EVIS, with the Bataan provincial government offering to host its proposed Philippine manufacturing facility.
Batangas is also being considered as VinFast evaluates potential locations, with access to automotive suppliers and ports among its key considerations.
“Ang dalawang pinakaimportanteng habol niya is saan ‘yung supply chain network, tapos pangalawa, malapit sa port,” Rodolfo said.
He cited Bataan’s province-wide shift toward electric vehicles and existing infrastructure as possible advantages in attracting the investment.
Under EVIS, qualified manufacturers must commit at least P5 billion in investments to become eligible for government support covering up to 40 percent of qualified investments. The program also prohibits overlapping incentives from other government schemes.
