During the regular session on May 25, 2026, the Baguio City Council discussed the possible implementation of electric vehicles (EVs) in the city in line with Republic Act No. 11697 or the Electric Vehicle Industry Act (EVIDA).
RA 11697 or the EVIDA promotes the gradual adoption of electric vehicles in the country through incentives, infrastructure development, and fleet transition requirements for public transport operators, government agencies, and industrial and commercial companies to support sustainable and energy-efficient transportation. It requires these entities to ensure that at least 5% of their vehicle fleet are EVs.
Serving as one of the resource speakers during the May 25 forum, Department of Energy (DOE) Director Patrick Aquino said that Baguio City is being considered as a pilot site for the implementation of the national law, noting its status as one of the country’s most visited destinations.
Appealing for the implementation of EVIDA in Baguio City, Aquino said that EVs, especially battery electric vehicles (BEVs), are more efficient than traditional vehicles or internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs) because they convert energy into motion with far less loss which results in lower energy use per kilometer, thereby reducing operating costs and lowering fuel dependence.
He mentioned that ICEVs cost around P5.00/km to operate, hybrids around P3.50/km, and BEVs approximately P1.71/ km.
Regarding doubts whether EVs are effective for public transport in Baguio’s terrain, Aquino said the city had served as a testing ground for EV public transport and confirmed that EV units are capable of navigating steep roads.
Aquino said the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) will soon issue updated guidelines on the procurement of motor vehicles which will streamline the acquisition of EVs and make them a more accessible option compared to ICEVs.
He confirmed that there are already 22 charging points in the region, with Benguet accounting for 12 AC charging points and 4 DC charging points. He added that guidelines for charging infrastructure development were issued by the DOE in September 2025 and that the DOE is encouraging the expansion of charging infrastructure in coordination with distribution utilities such as the Benguet Electric Cooperative (BENECO).
Aquino said that purchased EVs typically include a home charger and a portable charger for emergency use and that coordination with the DTI is already ongoing to strengthen the after-sales support system and develop technical training programs for EV technicians.
On the concerns regarding the possible risk of overloading the power grid leading to power interruptions due to the widespread EV adoption, Aquino explained that standard chargers of EVs have relatively low power draw which is comparable to common household appliances, making them less disruptive to the power grid. He emphasized that the DOE is coordinating closely with distribution utilities and electric cooperatives to ensure that infrastructure expansion is manageable and does not compromise system ability.
Aquino also clarified that the EC roadmap envisions a gradual transition toward renewable energy-powered transportation. He stressed that targets under the national plan indicate that by 2030, at least 25% of electricity used for EV charging should come from renewable energy sources which will increase to 100% by 2040.
Meanwhile, Atty. Marianne Dumpayan of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board-Cordillera (LTFRB-CAR) said that information regarding the operation of over 100 electric vehicle taxi units in Baguio had not yet been formally cascaded to the regional office. She noted that the only confirmed information under their current records is the operation of EVs in La Trinidad, Benguet.
Jeremias Agpes of the Department of Trade and Industry-Cordillera (DTI-CAR) reported that their office continues to monitor the operation of charging stations in the region. He also confirmed that their office had already received national guidelines outlining technical regulations and standards that manufacturers and importers of EV charging equipment must comply with.
Engr. Olive Bete of BENECO mentioned that their office had already received information indicating plans to install around 11 additional charging stations in the city including sites such as the Baguio Convention and Cultural Center and the Athletic Bowl.
Bete explained that additional electrical loads from home charging systems must be properly coordinated with BENECO for safety purposes.
The Baguio City Council referred the matter to the Committee on Public Utilities, Transportation, and Traffic Legislation for further study. **Jordan G. Habbiling
