During the launch Monday, Jan. 20, of the Tesla Center Philippines, President Marcos highlighted that Tesla’s presence not only supports environmental sustainability but also empowers the local workforce. “With plans to expand further, Tesla is building a generation of Filipinos equipped to lead in the global shift towards sustainable technologies,” he said, emphasizing that each hire represents an investment in Filipino talent.
President Marcos expressed hope that Tesla would eventually choose to manufacture its vehicles in the Philippines. He also pointed to the recent inauguration of a state-of-the-art facility producing advanced iron phosphate batteries essential for EV manufacturing, expressing optimism that more companies would seize the opportunity to drive the sector forward in the coming years.
“It is our fervent hope that Tesla might one day choose to manufacture its vehicles in the Philippines,” he added.
Tesla officially entered the Philippines on Nov. 8, 2024, through its subsidiary, Tesla Motors Philippines Inc., making it its fourth market in Southeast Asia, following Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia.
Marcos highlighted the recent inauguration of a cutting-edge facility for the production of advanced iron phosphate batteries, which are crucial for EV manufacturing.
The President underscored that Tesla’s entry into the country would encourage local innovation and attract new investments in the EV sector. He also highlighted the government’s commitment to enhancing sustainable transportation through policies such as the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Act, which removed excise taxes on battery electric vehicles, and the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA), which offers duty-free importation for charging stations, lowers user fees for EV owners, and prioritizes registration and traffic privileges.
Tesla Inc. is a publicly listed company on the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations (NASDAQ) with a market capitalization exceeding US$1.2 trillion. Tesla Motors Philippines Inc., a subsidiary of Tesla, is responsible for importation, sales, after-sales support, services, and the deployment and operation of charging infrastructure in the Philippines.
