Do you know the phrase “don’t waste a crisis”? Like many Asian cities, Manila suffers from filthy air. COVID-19 can kill quickly, but Manila’s air is a more dangerous killer. The WHO attributed 47,000 deaths in 2016 to air pollution in the Philippines. DOTr data shows over 70% of air pollutants are motor vehicle emissions. During the lockdown, Manila experienced a 60% drop in air pollutants.
Weren’t the clear skies and clean air during the lockdown wonderful? How can we make them last?
While improved public transportation is badly needed, we can also introduce cleaner motor vehicles. Concerns for hazardous effects of carbon emissions have resulted in demand for electric vehicles (EVs). In 2018, worldwide sales reached 2 million.
Surveys show high local consumer interest in EVs, despite the lack of charging station infrastructure. A stronger policy push to improve EV infrastructure is essential to encourage the shift to EV use and possibly to support a domestic EV industry.
What are government initiatives for a national policy framework for this emerging transport sub-sector? What incentives can encourage the manufacture, importation, installation, and utilization of EVs and EV infrastructure?
The AmCham-RESPOND Project has organized a Special Reform Legislation Discussion on July 21, from 9:30 AM to 12:00 through Zoom. Discussion will focus on the Electric Vehicles and Charging Stations Act pending in Congress. Legislators, government officials, and experts involved in developing the EV sector will participate.
We hope you will too.
Let’s not waste a crisis.