Imagine if your car is a clunky old Mitsubishi Pajero or any 8-cylinder gas-guzzler—you might decide to stay at home and limit your trips because of the high prices of gasoline, diesel and other petroleum products available today, if they are available.
We heard and have seen some gas stations in Pandacan that were closed for some reason.
Imagine if you have to drive from Manila to Lucena, or from Manila to Bicol. Be ready to spend a couple of thousands for gasoline and toll fees.
There is a silver lining, though. One journalist-editor we know who lives in Sta. Rosa City and works in Makati was all praises on the new BYD car that he bought. This motorist said he was able to save several thousands of pesos in gas consumption because of his electric car.
We notice too that in many streets of Metro Manila and Calabarzon, Chinese cars are increasing their presence. Cars like Baic, BYD, Changhe, Chery Tiggo, Foton, and GAC are everywhere.
This is clear evidence that Filipino motorists are now showing full confidence in the performance, safety features and price range of Chinese-made vehicles, not just cars.
Philippine Ambassador to China Jaime A. FlorCruz wanted to ramp up this list. He spoke at a huge electric vehicle (EV) industry forum in Beijing and pitched the Philippines as an ideal partner and investment destination for Chinese EV companies.
“I invite Chinese EV companies to invest, manufacture, partner, and innovate in the Philippines,” he told the over 100 attendees of the China International New Energy Vehicle Technology, Parts, and Services Exhibition (CINEVE) 2026, one of China’s largest EV industry events, held at the New China International Exhibition Center in Beijing.
Ambassador Jaime FlorCruz highlighted the Philippines’ growing vehicle market and its potential role in regional EV supply chains, noting opportunities for cooperation in vehicle assembly, battery technologies, EV components, and related supply-chain industries.
He cited the Philippines’ skilled, English-proficient workforce, competitive operating costs, and the growing industrial zones ready to host Chinese EV companies poised to go overseas.
He also credited the government’s strong support through tax incentives, duty-free importation, and streamlined investment policies and rules.
“Our aim is to create an ecosystem conducive to partnerships and collaborations, so find your right partners and let us prosper together in the Philippines,” he said.
FlorCruz addressed industry leaders, manufacturers, and suppliers from across the EV value chain during the event’s New Energy Vehicle Supply Chain Conference and Overseas Development Forum.
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