Fixing the Public to Electric Vehicles Use, a Legislative Call -DOE

Obliging the public to shift from petrol-powered cars to electric vehicles (E.V.s) falls on the discretion of the Congress.

This is the statement of the Department of Energy as regards the government’s action of confining the public to the purchase of E.V.s in the future.

“To force the market to shift [to E.V.s], I think that's more of a legislative call,” said DOE officer-in-charge Sharon Garin in an interview on ANC 24/7 on 26 June 2025.

The energy chief explained that E.V.s are indeed favorable over gas-propelled automobiles expensewise. The cost of transportation through pure E.V.s is remarkably cheaper, pegged at Php5.00 per kilometer (km), compared with that of gas-powered vehicles, incurred at Php1.71 per km; however, a government move to make the public purchase only electricity-run vehicles, which connotes the banning of fuel-dependent cars from the public’s options, is legislative in nature as such a directive involves deprivation of property, hence, the need to put it in congressional jurisdiction.

DOE’s role in E.V.s adoption

Garin mentioned that the executive branch, in which the DOE belongs, has the authority to set targets for the use of, and shift to, E.V.s in the country.

Republic Act 11697, known as the Electric Vehicle Industry Act, names the DOE as the lead government arm in the promotion and adoption of E.V.s, including the development of charging stations and pertinent equipment.

Among the responsibilities of the energy department is the formulation of policies on the utilization of charging stations of E.V.s countrywide.

Garin also noted that the DOE sets the target as to the number of E.V.s sold in the Philippine market.

She further mentioned that the public exhibits a desire for petrol-independent cars as sales of E.V.s are always double the DOE's benchmark.