E-vehicle industry seeks restoration of funding for CARS, RACE programs

THE Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) urged the government to restore the vetoed funding for automotive industry incentive programs, citing the role of the broader automotive manufacturing industry in the success of electric vehicles (EV).

- Justine Irish D. Tabile

Ina statement on Monday, the group stressed the importance of the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS) and the Revitalizing the Automotive Industry for Competitiveness Enhancement (RACE) programs, for which fiscal support was subjected to a Palace veto when the President signed the 2026 General Appropriations Act.

“CARS and RACE were designed to rebuild vehicle assembly volumes, strengthen parts manufacturing, and ensure policy continuity for the automotive sector,” the group said.

“Industry groups have warned that without these programs, the Philippines risks falling further behind Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) neighbors that continue to invest heavily in automotive and EV manufacturing as strategic industries,” itadded.