Think tank lauds ‘green initiatives’ in a House bill seeking to include e-bikes in tax break
INQUIRER.net Stock Image
MANILA — An international think tank and research organization is airing its support to the latest development supporting green initiatives in Congress, as a bill campaigning for the inclusion of e-motorcycles in the list of Electric Vehicles (EVs) benefitting from tax breaks has been filed.
In a statement, Stratbase ADR Institute President Prof. Dindo Manhit said that they support the House of Representatives Committee on Ways and Means Chairman, Rep. Joey Salceda’s House Bill 9573, which seeks to revise Executive Order No.12 series of 2022 to also let two-wheeled EVs benefit from tax breaks.
Under EO12, only kick scooters, self-balancing cycles, bicycles, and pocket motorcycles with auxiliary motors not exceeding 250w and with a maximum speed of 25 km/hour have 0% import duties. On the other hand, electric motorcycles are still subject to a 30% tariff rate.
“Two-wheeled electric vehicles are most affordable, being only 3% the price of an electric car. Given this, more and more Filipinos, given the worsening traffic situation and the soaring prices of fuel, could now consider buying their own two-wheeled electric vehicles that are environmentally sustainable, having zero emissions,” Manhit said in a statement.
“The present situation looks patently discriminatory and anti-poor to limit the incentives for electric vehicles to those who could afford to buy the four-wheel variety. This limited view also does nothing to stop – and in fact worsens – the traffic congestion in the city,” he added.
Manhit also said that giving e-motorcycles the same tax breaks as other types of EVs will give way for the faster adoption of “green traffic” traffic and help Filipinos combat rising fuel costs. According to Manhit, 60% of all EVs in the country are two-wheeled and have not been benefiting from tax breaks under EO12.
National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Chief Arsenio Balisacan said that motorcycles’ possible inclusion in the tax break will take center stage in the deliberations starting February 2024, one year since EO12 took effect.
Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer & other 70+ titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to the news, download as early as 4am & share articles on social media. Call 896 6000.
