Category: Business Mirror

THE Manila Electric Company (Meralco) on Thursday said the rise in electricity bills for the past few months was driven by uncontrollable, surge-level generation charges, which are subject to strict regulatory oversight.

Generation rate, a major component of an electric bill, is the cost of producing or purchasing electricity. This a pass-through charge paid by Meralco to its power suppliers. Meralco does not earn from this.

‘The recent electricity price increases pertain to generation charges, which reflect the spike in international fuel prices and peso depreciation as a result of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East,’ said Meralco senior vice president Atty. Jose Ronald Valles. ‘The effect of these factors on the generation charges are beyond the control of Meralco.’

Besides, Meralco’s procurement of its power requirements could not happen without the regulators’ approval. ‘The procurement by distribution utilities of electricity is affected by international fuel prices and exchange rate fluctuations. The procurement by distribution utilities [DUs] of electricity supply is heavily regulated by the government,’ Valles said.

Valles said the Department of Energy (DOE) and ERC established competitive public guidelines with which all DUs must comply. These guidelines ensure equal opportunities for all eligible power generation firms, regardless of affiliation, and mandate that supply contracts be awarded to those that offer the lowest prices.

‘During the regulatory proceedings and public hearings, the ERC determines whether such contract complies with the distribution utilities mandate under the EPIA to provide customers with the least-cost supply.

All the power supply agreements of Meralco were approved by the ERC, a testament to its compliance with the least-cost mandate under the law,’ said Valles.

He said Meralco’s distribution rates have declined by 18 percent since 2014. The distribution component of an electricity bill goes directly to Meralco. ‘Customers are paying less today for the distribution-related charges of Meralco compared to more than a decade ago. Meanwhile, prices of basic commodities like food and transport as part of consumer price index increase annually by an average of 4.1 and 2.7 percent, respectively,’ said Valles.

Meanwhile, the Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development [CEED] is calling for a suspension of pass-through charges, saying that these fees allow power generation companies to pass volatile fuel costs to consumers.

‘One of the primary drivers for increasing rates of electricity are pass-through provisions within power supply agreements [PSAs]. Generation companies are allowed to pass volatile fuel prices and other variables like foreign exchange rates onto consumers.

This burdens Filipinos with expensive electricity every single month. In the Meralco franchise area, 83 percent of electricity comes from coal and gas, whose prices fluctuate wildly,’ said Atty. Avril De Torres, Deputy Executive Director of CEED.

For the ERC’s part, the chairperson confirmed that distribution rates were last adjusted over 10 years ago.

‘They have not moved for a decade. If we look at that specific component of our bill regulated by the Commission, it does not change month-to-month. It remains constant because distribution utilities can only adjust it after filing an application, undergoing hearings, and receiving a Commission decision on the appropriate rates,’ said Atty. Francis Saturnino Juan.

HIGHER wages will deliver more lasting benefits if accompanied by stronger productivity, lower business costs and a more competitive investment environment, the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (Finex) said.

In a statement, Finex said it recognizes the wage adjustment as a response to the rising cost of living faced by workers but stressed that policymakers should also consider its broader impact on businesses, particularly micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and labor-intensive industries.

Earlier this month, the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board in the National Capital Region approved an P85 increase in the daily minimum wage, to be implemented in two tranches-P60 beginning July 19 and another P25 in January next year.

‘While higher wages provide immediate relief to workers, Finex believes that the magnitude and timing of the increase underscore the need for government to carefully assess its absorptive impact, particularly on [MSMEs] and employment-intensive industries,’ the group said.

‘The challenge now is to ensure that the gains from higher wages are not diminished by higher prices, reduced hiring, lower investment, or slower economic activity,’ it added.

Finex said the discussion should move beyond the wage increase itself and focus on policies that can sustain higher incomes without undermining economic growth.

The group urged the government to intensify efforts to reduce red tape, simplify permitting processes, improve regulatory predictability and accelerate digitalization to help businesses become more productive and competitive.

It also called for measures to lower major operating costs, particularly electricity, logistics and transportation, which it said continue to weigh heavily on enterprises and consumers.

‘The country must also continue pursuing reforms that strengthen investor confidence and attract domestic and foreign capital,’ Finex said, noting that higher investment expands productive capacity, creates quality jobs, introduces new technologies and raises productivity.

The organization also encouraged authorities to closely monitor the wage adjustment’s effects on inflation, employment, business viability and wage distortion.

‘The task before policymakers is to ensure that higher wages are accompanied by policies that promote investment, productivity, competitiveness, and economic expansion,’ it said.

Business groups have also raised concerns about the possible economic effects of the wage increase.

Earlier this month, Employers Confederation of the Philippines (Ecop) Chairman Emeritus Enunina Mangio said the adjustment could add about 0.3 percentage point to inflation, although she noted the overall impact remains uncertain because many companies have yet to finalize pricing decisions.

Separately, Ecop President Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr. earlier told BusinessMirror that the employer sector had proposed a lower increase of P50 to P60 during wage board deliberations, arguing that it would have struck a better balance between improving workers’ incomes and preserving businesses’ capacity to absorb higher labor costs.

Meanwhile, the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) recently said there is no legal basis to suspend the second tranche of the Metro Manila wage increase scheduled for January 2027.

THE Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) said it expects the planned Pax Silica development in New Clark City to generate as much as $70 billion in investments over the long term, while creating hundreds of thousands of jobs and positioning the Philippines as a hub for advanced technology industries.

During a Pax Silica press briefing in Malacañang on Thursday, BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua Bingcang said the project is targeting an initial investment of $10 billion to finance core infrastructure, establish industrial zones and attract anchor locators.

Once the 1,620-hectare development reaches full buildout and becomes integrated into global supply chains for artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, total investments are projected to reach $40 billion to $70 billion, according to the BCDA presentation.

The agency also projects the development will generate between 130,000 and 190,000 direct jobs, with an additional 500,000 to 800,000 indirect and induced jobs expected across supporting industries and supply chains.

Over a 25-year period, the project is projected to generate P60 billion in lease income, while annual withholding tax collections are estimated at P68 billion to P75 billion. Export potential is projected to reach $200 billion annually once the development is fully operational.

The project is being positioned as a technology-focused economic hub anchored on industries such as AI, semiconductor manufacturing and other advanced industries.

In a Facebook post published on Wednesday, the BCDA quoted Trade Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo as saying the project could help the country capture more value from emerging technology industries.

‘Do we want to just be observers? Do we want to just be recipients of technology, of gadgets, of computer programming capacity? Or do we want the Philippines to be there participating actively in this ecosystem?’ Rodolfo said.

‘We are open to partnering with all countries [on this]. What’s important for our Philippine interest is defined by this: being able to add more value to the resources we have. Value adding, job creation and knowledge creation,’ he added.

The BCDA also cited comments previously made by American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines Executive Director Ebb Hinchliffe, who said the Luzon Economic Corridor accounts for about 50 percent of the country’s gross domestic product.

‘As we continue to develop it, the impact on the country’s economy will be significant,’ Hinchliffe said. ‘Looking at New Clark City, for example, plans are underway to build an aerotropolis.’

‘This initiative goes beyond infrastructure such as railways, seaports, and airports-it also encompasses agriculture, food security, digital connectivity, power and power distribution, and critical minerals.’

Earlier this week, Malacañang said it supports the Pax Silica project while emphasizing that the administration will continue to uphold Philippine sovereignty.

Similarly, during the unveiling of the marker for the planned AI hub in New Clark City on May 18, Bingcang also said the government rejected proposals that would have placed portions of the project outside Philippine jurisdiction.

Malacañang said the government still has over P10 billion available funds from the pooled savings of government agencies to be used to help sectors, which are affected by the resumption of Middle East (ME) war.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro issued the statement with the resumption of the conflict in the Middle East following the collapse of the peace talks of the United States (US) and Iran, which resulted in the escalation of attacks between the two factions in the region.

She said the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) was able to collect P22.79 billion of savings from the National Budget Circular (NBC) 602 and 603.

‘These savings will be used for UPLIFT interventions involving the DMW [Department of Migrant Workers,] DOTr [Department of Transportation], and DOE [Departer of Energy] programs. Most likely, these will be allocated to those affected by the crisis in the Middle East,’ Castro said.

DBM issued NBC 602 last April instructing government agencies for the reduction of Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) by 20 percent and the guidelines for deferring capital outlays.

NBC 603 was released last May, providing the guidelines for offering and declaration of savings from programs, activity, and projects from unobligated allotments from fiscal year 2025 General Appropriations Act and Continuing Appropriations.

Of the said savings, P12.37 billion were allocated for the expanded United Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT), which was announced by President Ferdinand Marcos last week.

The expanded UPLIFT will provide cash aid to 37.5 million Filipinos.

With the remaining savings, Castro said the government currently has sufficient funds to assist those who may be affected by the Middle East conflict.

‘As of now, this represents the savings, and we haven’t yet received information indicating a budget shortfall. So, at this stage, we cannot say that the budget is insufficient,’ Castro said.

THE country’s ocean economy grew to P1.08 trillion last year, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said on Thursday.

The Philippine Ocean Economy Satellite Account, which is released annually, showed that the blue economy expanded by 5.3 percent in 2025 from P1.02 trillion recorded a year earlier.

The latest figure was also equivalent to 3.8 percent of the country’s total gross domestic product (GDP) at current prices.

According to the statistics agency, marine safety, surveillance, and resource management saw the highest expansion last year at 31.7 percent.

This was followed by marine insurance at 29.6 percent and sea-based transportation and storage at 10.8 percent.

In terms of share, the PSA said ocean fishing contributed the largest portion of the ocean economy last year at 24.1 percent, followed by the manufacture of ocean-based products at 21.3 percent, sea-based transportation and storage at 16.3 percent, and coastal accommodation and food and beverage service activities at 12.1 percent.

On the other hand, employment in the ocean economy reached 2.46 million in 2025, equivalent to 5 percent of the country’s total workforce.

This was also 3.4 percent higher than the 2.38 million employed individuals recorded a year earlier.

By component, the PSA said the ocean fishing sector employed the largest number of workers, accounting for 37.8 percent of total ocean economy employment.

This was followed by sea-based transportation and storage at 23.6 percent and coastal accommodation and food and beverage service activities at 21.7 percent.

FORD Philippines has officially opened the doors of its newly built Ford Learning Center in Calamba, Laguna, a facility that now serves as the central hub for technical and non-technical training of dealer personnel nationwide. The move underscores Ford’s intent to strengthen its dealer network and elevate the customer ownership experience in the country.

The Learning Center spans 1,500 square meters and houses seven mechanical bays-including one dedicated to electric vehicles-four classrooms, a Ford showroom, meeting rooms, office spaces, and a cafeteria. It replaces the brand’s former 110-square-meter training area at Don Bosco Technical Institute in Makati, marking a significant expansion in both scale and capability. With state-of-the-art tools, equipment, and globally aligned processes, the facility is designed to deliver a higher level of training that ensures every customer interaction is seamless, professional, and reassuring.

‘The opening of the Learning Center is not just about opening a new building; it is about building the future of Ford in the Philippines. It represents our strong commitment to this market-to our customers, our partners, and our people,’ said Ford Philippines managing director Pedro Simoes. ‘At Ford, we believe that great vehicles are only part of the ownership journey. What truly makes the difference is the experience-how we support, serve, and care for our customers every day.’

Workshop and hands-on training

THE mechanical bay is a 451-square-meter workshop area that enables multiple simultaneous training sessions. It provides real-world learning for technicians and non-technicians, mirroring the environment of a Ford dealership. The bays are equipped with two-post and four-post lifts, allowing comprehensive training across both internal combustion and electric vehicles.

This setup ensures that participants gain practical experience in diagnostics, repairs, and certifications, preparing them to handle the full spectrum of Ford’s product lineup.

Showroom and classrooms

THE Learning Center also features a 195-square-meter reception and showroom space, capable of accommodating a Ford vehicle display. This allows immersive product training and walkarounds for dealer sales personnel and service advisors.

Four modern classrooms, with flexible configurations, can host more than 100 participants per session. These spaces are designed to support lectures, workshops, and interactive learning modules, ensuring that both technical and customer-facing teams receive comprehensive training.

Support facilities

ASIDE from the workshop and classrooms, the Learning Center includes meeting rooms that can accommodate small groups of two to seven participants. These spaces are intended for coaching, assessments, and focused discussions.

A 72-seat cafeteria provides a central hub for interaction and knowledge sharing, while a 24-seat extension office supports employees working within the facility. Together, these amenities create an environment conducive to both formal training and informal collaboration.

Strengthening after-sales service

THE Learning Center is part of Ford’s broader commitment to modernize its after-sales operations. This follows the opening of the Ford Parts Distribution Center in Laguna in 2024, which improved parts availability and accessibility nationwide.

Customers today benefit from a range of service offerings, including online service booking, mobile service vehicle, express service, service price calculator, and pickup and delivery. These initiatives are designed to enhance convenience, ease of service, and peace of mind-further reinforcing Ford’s focus on customer satisfaction.

Leadership transition

Meanwhile, Ford Philippines also announced the appointment of Pushparaj Muthusamy as director of Ford Customer Service Division. Based in Manila, Raj reports directly to managing director Pedro Simoes. He succeeds Joyce Laxamana, who has been appointed parts supply and logistics director for Ford Asean.

‘As vehicle technologies rapidly evolve-from advanced connectivity to sophisticated safety features and electrified systems-our dealership teams must be equipped with the highest level of technical mastery, product knowledge, and customer-handling skills. We are confident that this Ford Learning Center can help standardize, elevate, and future-proof our operational capabilities,’ said Muthusamy.

In his new role, Raj will lead Ford’s after-sales operations in the Philippines, focusing on enhancing the ownership experience, driving service retention through data-driven initiatives, and strengthening relationships with dealer partners.

‘Raj’s expertise in data analytics and his customer-centric approach have already delivered significant results for our operations. His leadership will be pivotal as we continue to modernize our service offerings, build long-term loyalty with our customers, and enhance the Ford ownership experience with a focus on after-sales,’ said Simoes.

West Zone concessionaire Maynilad Water Services, Inc. (Maynilad) has begun its 2026 Plant for Life program, setting its highest annual planting target to date: 230,225 indigenous tree seedlings across 450 hectares of priority restoration areas within the Ipo Watershed.

The 2026 planting sites cover areas in Norzagaray, Bulacan, and Mt. Balagbag in Rizal, both of which form part of the Ipo Watershed. The sites were identified in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) as priority areas for forest restoration.

The Ipo Watershed is a critical part of the Angat-Ipo raw water system, which supplies water to Metro Manila. Reforesting denuded portions of the watershed helps reduce soil erosion and sedimentation, improve water infiltration, support biodiversity, and strengthen the long-term sustainability of this vital water source.

Unlike one-day planting activities, Plant for Life provides for three years of site maintenance through partnerships with local people’s organizations. Their work includes regular monitoring, protection of planted areas, vegetation management, and replacement planting when necessary to improve seedling survival and support long-term forest restoration.

The program has maintained a seedling survival rate of more than 85% over the past seven years. In 2025, a 450-hectare restoration site covering Mt. Balagbag and Norzagaray recorded an overall seedling survival rate of 92.1%, as validated by the DENR.

‘Watershed restoration is measured not only by how many seedlings are planted, but by how many are able to survive and become part of a functioning forest,’ said Maynilad Chief Sustainability Officer Atty. Roel S. Espiritu. ‘By combining indigenous tree planting with sustained site care and community stewardship, we help strengthen the natural systems that support water quality, water availability, and the resilience of nearby communities.’

Indigenous species such as narra, kupang, and kalumpit will be planted under this year’s program to help restore biodiversity and establish vegetation suited to local watershed conditions.

Since Plant for Life was established in 2007, Maynilad has planted more than 1.64 million seedlings and supported the restoration of nearly 2,420 hectares of watershed and other environmentally critical areas.

The 2026 Plant for Life kickoff brought together Maynilad employee volunteers and representatives from TELUS, Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation, GHD, Makati Medical Center, Light Rail Manila Corporation, and World Vision.

THE hunt for fugitive Sen. Ronald dela Rosa remains on track despite the challenges posed by his law enforcement background, Interior Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla said on Thursday.

Remulla said the National Police (PNP), together with other government law enforcement agencies and instrumentalities, continues to actively track dela Rosa’s whereabouts but declined to disclose operational details to protect ongoing efforts.

‘We are on track. It’s an ongoing operation. I can’t reveal the detail, but we are actively pursuing him,’ says Remulla.

A former PNP chief, dela Rosa was last seen in the early hours of May 14, leaving the Senate with fellow Sen. Robinhood Padilla after making an appearance following an extended absence. He has not been seen publicly or at the Senate since.

Remulla acknowledged that locating dela Rosa, as well as former Bureau of Corrections chief Gerald Bantag, has proven challenging because of their previous service in law enforcement and their familiarity with police procedures.

‘They know all the police procedures. They know the next steps. They are one step ahead because they know the usual…,’ he said.

Thus, the Remulla said trackers have shifted from conventional law enforcement methods and are employing more adaptive strategies to locate and capture the fugitives.

‘We have to go asymmetric in capturing them. Hindi puwedeng usual techniques, so ngayon nage-employ na kami ng other techniques and strategies para makuha sila,’ Remulla emphasized.

He assured the public that law enforcement authorities will continue pursuing fugitives relentlessly, whether they are hiding within the country or abroad.

‘The law will continue to take its course, and we will continue to pursue those who seek to evade justice,’ he said.

On July 19 in Miami, France and England will face off in the third-place match of the world’s biggest football tournament. 1xBet review takes a look at who is in better form for the clash and what factors could influence the outcome.

Didier Deschamps’s final match

The game against England will mark the end of Didier Deschamps’ 14-year tenure as head coach of the France national team. Under his leadership, France won the world title in 2018 and reached another final four years later. Now, Les Bleus will be determined to give their legendary manager the perfect farewell with a victory.

Before the semi-finals, France had won all six of their matches, scoring 16 goals while conceding only two. In the knockout stage, they defeated Sweden (3-0), Paraguay (1-0), and Morocco (2-0), keeping clean sheets in all three games.

However, their winning streak came to an end against Spain in the semi-finals. La Roja dominated possession, gave France almost no room to attack, and secured a 2-0 victory. It was the first time Les Bleus failed to score in the tournament, ending their hopes of reaching a third consecutive final.

The bronze medals are not the only prize France will be chasing against England. Kylian Mbappé has already netted eight goals and still has a chance to finish as the tournament’s top scorer. The third-place clash will be his final opportunity to add to his tally and claim the Golden Boot.

Relying on defense didn’t save England

After advancing from the group stage, England faced serious challenges in every knockout match but always found a way to win. Thomas Tuchel’s side edged past DR Congo (2-1) in the closing minutes, overcame Mexico (3-2) despite playing with ten men, and needed extra time to defeat Norway (2-1).

The familiar scenario of a late dramatic finish returned in the semi-final, but this time, it worked against England. Anthony Gordon’s goal in the 55th minute put the Three Lions on course for the final, but they gradually retreated deeper into their own half. Tuchel introduced Ezri Konsa, Dan Burn, and Nico O’Reilly, leaving England with six defenders on the pitch. Even that wasn’t enough. In the 85th minute, Lionel Messi set up Enzo Fernández for the equalizer. In stoppage time, another perfectly delivered cross from Messi found Lautaro Martínez, who headed home to seal a 2-1 victory for Argentina.

Much will again depend on Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham in the bronze medal clash. They have scored six goals each, accounting for 12 of England’s 14 goals at the tournament. However, England will have one day less to recover than France, and they also played the full 120 minutes against Norway in the quarter-finals. Fatigue among their key players could prove to be one of the decisive factors.

What to expect?

France and England have met 32 times in their history. England hold the advantage with 17 victories, while France have won 10 matches, and five encounters have ended in draws.

The two sides have faced each other three times at the premier football competitions. The Three Lions won in 1966 and 1982, while France claimed a 2-1 victory in the 2022 quarter-finals. Late in that match, Harry Kane missed a penalty that would have sent the game into extra time.

There is no clear favorite for this clash, although analysts are giving France a slight edge, as evidenced by the 1xBet odds:

France to win – 1.96

Draw – 3.97

England to win – 3.95

Don’t miss this major showdown, and root for your favorites!

OMODA and JAECOO Philippines officially launched the all-new JAECOO J5 EV today at the Glorietta Activity Center, introducing the brand’s newest all-electric SUV to the Philippine market with an official retail price of ?1,399,000.

Already recognized as the best-selling pure electric SUV in Thailand and Indonesia during the first half of 2026, the JAECOO J5 EV combines intelligent technology, premium comfort, advanced safety, and impressive real-world efficiency-setting a new benchmark for electric mobility in the Philippines. Ahead of its official launch, the JAECOO J5 EV demonstrated its real-world capability during a two-day endurance drive observed by the Automobile Association Philippines (AAP). Traveling 539.2 kilometers on a single charge, the vehicle achieved 117% of its officially declared 461-kilometer NEDC driving range, exceeding its certified range by more than 78 kilometers. The achievement highlights OMODA and JAECOO’s engineering excellence while providing Filipino motorists with greater confidence in the vehicle’s everyday usability under actual driving conditions.

The official launch transformed the Glorietta Activity Center into an immersive showcase of intelligent mobility, welcoming members of the media, dealer partners, government representatives, bank partners, automotive enthusiasts, customers, and mall visitors. Guests experienced the JAECOO J5 EV through interactive product displays, public test drives, technology showcases, and engaging brand activities.

A major highlight of the event was the ceremonial turnover of the first batch of JAECOO J5 EV units to pioneer customers. The official handover marked the beginning of customer deliveries in the Philippines, celebrating the trust and confidence of the brand’s earliest adopters while underscoring the strong market reception for the JAECOO J5 EV. This milestone further reflects OMODA and JAECOO Philippines’ commitment to accelerating the country’s transition toward intelligent and sustainable electric mobility.

The launch of the JAECOO J5 EV represents more than the introduction of a new electric vehicle-it reflects OMODA and JAECOO’s commitment to making intelligent and sustainable mobility more accessible to Filipino consumers, With its proven real-world driving range, premium technology, intelligent features, and industry-leading battery confidence program, we believe the JAECOO J5 EV sets a new benchmark in the Philippine EV market.

Powered by a 58.9-kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery paired with a 155-kW (208 PS) permanent magnet electric motor producing 288 Nm of torque, the JAECOO J5 EV delivers smooth, responsive, and efficient performance. It offers a driving range of up to 461 kilometers (NEDC), accelerates from 0-100 km/h in just 7.7 seconds, and supports DC fast charging from 30% to 80% in approximately 28 minutes, making it an ideal companion for both daily commuting and longer journeys.

Designed for modern lifestyles, the JAECOO J5 EV features bold SUV styling paired with a spacious and refined cabin. It offers a 480-liter luggage compartment, a 35-liter front trunk (frunk), panoramic sunroof, power tailgate, wireless smartphone charging, a high-definition infotainment display, digital instrument cluster, intelligent voice command, over-the-air (OTA) software updates, and connected vehicle technologies that enhance convenience and connectivity.

Safety remains a cornerstone of the JAECOO J5 EV. The vehicle comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), including Adaptive Cruise Control, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Traffic Sign Recognition, a 360-degree Around View Monitor, Electronic Stability Control, and multiple airbags-delivering greater confidence and peace of mind on every journey.

Beyond the vehicle itself, guests were introduced to AIMOGA, OMODA and JAECOO’s AI-powered humanoid robot. Through natural interaction and intelligent service demonstrations, AIMOGA showcased the brand’s vision of integrating artificial intelligence into future mobility and customer experiences, reflecting OMODA and JAECOO’s commitment to building an intelligent ecosystem that extends beyond the automobile.

As OMODA and JAECOO continues to expand its global presence, the brand remains committed to advancing intelligent mobility through continuous innovation, cutting-edge technology, and customer-centric experiences. The introduction of the JAECOO J5 EV and AIMOGA reflects this vision, bringing together electrification and artificial intelligence to shape the future of mobility for customers in the Philippines.

Further reinforcing its confidence in the JAECOO J5 EV’s battery durability and long-term reliability, OMODA and JAECOO Philippines announced an industry-leading Battery State of Health (SOH) Warranty. Should the battery’s State of Health fall below 70% within the applicable warranty period, the company will replace the battery free of charge, subject to the terms and conditions of the warranty. This customer-first commitment is believed to be among the first of its kind in the Philippine automotive market, providing owners with greater peace of mind and confidence in their transition to electric mobility.

To celebrate its Philippine debut, OMODA and JAECOO Philippines is offering customers up to ?69,800 in exclusive ownership benefits for a limited time. The package includes a ?20,000 reservation benefit (where a ?10,000 reservation fee is upgraded to a ?30,000 reservation value), a ?10,000 repurchase incentive for existing OMODA and JAECOO customers, and a ?10,000 referral incentive. Customers will also receive one year of complimentary Preventive Maintenance Service (PMS), one year of Roadside Assistance (RAS), three years of complimentary mobile remote vehicle control service, and a complimentary 7kW wall charger, providing exceptional ownership value while making the transition to electric mobility even more rewarding.

The JAECOO J5 EV is now available at an official retail price of ?1,399,000 through authorized OMODA and JAECOO dealerships nationwide. Customers are also invited to experience the vehicle firsthand through public displays and test drives following its official launch at the Glorietta Activity Center.