Davao City dad pushes electric vehicles as eco-friendly transport
By Ivy Tejano
DAVAO CITY – A Davao City councilor pushed electric vehicles (EVs) as an eco-friendly and cost-effective mode of transportation here.
In a privilege speech on Tuesday, July 22, Councilor Temujin Ocampo, chairman of the Committee on Special Publications and the Committee on Environment, said EVs benefit the environment, the economy, and public health.
“The rise of electric vehicles is more than just a trend. It is a social and environmental imperative. Davao City is making a big change by switching to electric vehicles,” Ocampo said.
Ocampo said EVs reduce air pollution and drastically cut greenhouse gas emissions with zero tailpipe emissions and help alleviate the city’s worsening air quality mainly due to traffic congestion.
Electric vehicles have lower operating and maintenance costs, he said.
“Unlike gasoline-powered vehicles, EVs require no oil changes or spark plug replacements and can be conveniently charged at home—offering substantial savings to Filipino drivers,” he added.
Ocampo cited Republic Act No. 11696, or The Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA Law), as a strong government initiative backing the shift to EVs. The law provides various fiscal and non-fiscal incentives for EV adoption, including tax exemptions.
“We have laid a solid foundation for the electric mobility sector,” Ocampo said, referring to the law’s provisions that aim to accelerate the EV rollout in the country.
Ocampo called on individuals, companies, and government agencies to support the transition to cleaner transport. He highlighted the importance of collective effort in making Davao a “sustainable, equitable, and prepared” city for the future.
He moved to refer his proposal to the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources and the Committee on Trade, Commerce, and Finance for further deliberation and legislative support.