“ENVIRONMENTALLY-SOUND modernized transport,” said Councilor Temujin Ocampo, environment committee chair, on what the local government envisions for the proposed Electric Vehicle Ordinance of Davao City.
In an interview with Pulong Pulong sa Dabawenyos, Ocampo said the Sangguniang Panlungsod’s committee on environment is now finalizing the draft ordinance and the committee report.
“We are hoping it will be passed by the end of May,” Ocampo said, noting the committee report is to be presented on second reading in the next regular session on April 28, after 3-4 committee hearings.
The Electric Vehicle Ordinance of Davao City will specifically provide regulations on the use of EVs for private, government, and public conveyance as “environmentally sound” means of transport in the city, including incentives for such use.
“We have already completed the committee report, as well as the draft of the Electric Vehicle Ordinance. We are seeking the assistance of the city legal (office) to make sure it is in harmony with the existing rules and regulations, ” Ocampo said.
Ocampo said that the promotion of EVs is a priority of the city government as it is part of the priority legislation of Mayor Sebastian Duterte.
Incorporated in the EV Ordinance is the proper storage, disposal, and recycling of electronic waste, including batteries.
The committee conducted a study along with industry experts from the Department of Energy and invited resource persons from various stakeholders during committee hearings to ensure smooth implementation.
“The ordinance will have an electronic vehicle monitoring committee, and we also have specific funds allocated to promote EVs,” Ocampo said.
Ocampo said the proposed ordinance seeks to source P1 million from the city’s revenues to ensure the rollout and smooth implementation.
The ordinance aims to encourage businesses to build more EV infrastructure, such as charging stations, noting the amended Investment Code, which categorizes EVs as a priority investment.
Ocampo added that several companies, including Chinese company BYD and Vietnam EV manufacturer Vinfast, have expressed intent to put up more charging stations, considering the incentives the city provides.
Possible incentives for the dealers, manufacturers, and electronic waste recycling include tax holidays, ease of doing business, such as priority lanes for permits, assistance in site selection, and help in identifying local labor and raw materials.
Ordinance No. 0148-25, further amending the Davao City Investment Incentive Code, was officially approved on third and final reading on Dec. 12, 2025, providing a more competitive fiscal package and expanded investment areas.
Under the new code, the EV industry is prioritized under Eco-Industry, which covers EV manufacturing, charging station components, research and development, and distribution. Additionally, the establishment of charging or refueling stations is recognized under Infrastructure.
Registered EV enterprises will enjoy a graduated business tax exemption for five years (100% for the first three years, 60% in the fourth, and 40% in the fifth), alongside a three-year exemption from basic Real Property Tax.
“With the Davao City Incentive Code, plus this ordinance, there are comprehensive regulations to efficiently implement and, in the future, to slowly shift to electric vehicles,” Ocampo stressed.
The city government is in the process of procuring EVs aimed at replacing some of its existing public service vehicles.
“Right now the target is about 20%, gusto gyud ni Mayor mo shift kay gasto kaayo ang traditional, including fuel, maintenance,” Ocampo said.
Ocampo said with the fluctuating fuel prices, EVs offer financial relief to Filipino drivers, citing studies that full EVs can operate around 1–2 pesos per kilometer, a cheaper alternative to traditional fuel-powered transportation.
