President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday urged foreign manufacturers to invest in the Philippines’ electric vehicle (EV) industry as the government aims to have EVs account for 50% of the country’s vehicle fleet by 2040.
He made the call during a visit to the manufacturing and assembly plant of Sazgar Philippines Inc. in Biñan City, Laguna.
Established in 2026, Sazgar Philippines Inc. is a subsidiary of Pakistan-based Sazgar Engineering Works Ltd. The company operates in Laguna and offers passenger and commercial three-wheelers, including electric vehicles.
‘As of 2026 August, the DOE [Department of Energy] has reported over 420 accredited EVC providers and discovered operators, service providers, and suppliers. These initiatives seek to build an industry that serves the needs of our people while creating greater value for the Philippine economy,’ the President said in his speech.
‘So, to our stakeholders: Invest in the Philippines. Build partnerships with our suppliers. Explore opportunities to expand manufacturing activities in our shores,’ he added.
Marcos also reiterated his push for greater local production of EV components, urging Sazgar to reduce its reliance on imported parts and expand its local supply chain.
‘So, to Sazgar: I offer both our thanks and the challenge. At present, many of your parts still come from abroad. I ask you to grow your Filipino supply chain year after year,’ he said.
‘They are anticipating that they will be able to produce all the parts locally. In other words, it will be 100% locally manufactured parts within the year or so. So, that every tricycle that will leave the plant is made by Filipinos. The government will work hand in hand with you to make that happen,’ Marcos continued.
The government is also working to strengthen energy security, encourage innovation, and attract investments in emerging technologies, Marcos said.
‘Efforts such as these, bring us closer to our target of achieving 50% EV fleet share by 2040,’ the President said.