Senator Win Gatchalian on Wednesday urged the government to accelerate the country’s shift to electric vehicles (EVs), warning that the Philippines remains highly vulnerable to fluctuating global oil prices amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
Gatchalian, chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, highlighted that instability in oil-producing regions underscores the urgency of reducing dependence on imported fuel.
The Philippines currently imports about 96% to 99% of its oil requirements, leaving the economy exposed to global price shocks.
“Ang patuloy na kaguluhan sa Middle East ay dapat magsilbing wake-up call. Kailangan nating bawasan ang pagiging bulnerable ng bansa sa pabago-bagong presyo ng langis,” Gatchalian said.
“Paulit-ulit na lang na pinapasan ng mga Pilipino ang bigat ng pagtaas ng presyo ng langis,” he added.
The senator stressed that speeding up EV adoption could help shield the economy from sudden fuel price spikes.
He also called on the government to expand EV support infrastructure, especially charging stations, to encourage broader use among businesses and private motorists.
Under the Comprehensive Roadmap for the Electric Vehicle Industry, the Philippines aims for around 7,300 charging stations by 2028 under a conservative scenario, with a more ambitious target of roughly 66,500 stations nationwide.