Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) on October 27th reaffirmed its commitment to participate in the government's vehicle electrification programme through a planned investment of PHP 7 billion (US$ 109 million). The statement followed earlier media reports that the company was reassessing the commercial viability of local hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) production amid uncertainty over the programme's implementation.

The reports indicated that MMPC was reviewing the proposed investment while awaiting details of the government's Electric Vehicle Incentive Strategy (EVIS), including its implementing rules and regulations (IRR). The company was also assessing the potential impact of future policy changes on the long-term viability of local HEV manufacturing.

In a statement, MMPC reaffirmed its commitment to local HEV production and said it was preparing to formalise its participation in EVIS. The company continues to coordinate with relevant government agencies and industry stakeholders while awaiting the release of the programme's IRR, which will establish the framework and requirements for formal applications.

The planned participation in EVIS forms part of MMPC's broader investment programme to strengthen its Philippine operations and manufacturing capabilities. The company plans to introduce HEV production at its manufacturing facility in Santa Rosa, Laguna, subject to approval under the programme.

MMPC President and Chief Executive Officer Ritsu Imaeda said the company was assessing the investment and operational requirements for local HEV production to ensure compliance with government requirements and the long-term viability of manufacturing in the Philippines.

Â?Because the details of the EVIS have not been announced yet, we are carefully studying the investment requirements and the conditions needed to ensure the long-term viability of HEV production in the Philippines,Â? Imaeda said.

The assessment covers market demand, workforce requirements, parts availability, supplier readiness, after-sales service capabilities and the wider ecosystem required to support local manufacturing. The company is also evaluating the readiness of its manufacturing operations and support systems for the introduction of HEV production.

MMPC said these preparations were intended to ensure compliance with the government's requirements under the IRR while maintaining product quality and providing after-sales service. Imaeda added that the company needed to ensure that its manufacturing facility, workforce and supply chain were ready to support production and meet customer expectations.

MMPC currently manufactures the Mirage and L300 in the Philippines, providing an existing manufacturing base for the planned expansion into HEVs.

Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Roque previously said that the implementing rules and regulations for EVIS were expected to be released in the fourth quarter of 2026. The release is expected to establish the requirements for companies seeking to participate in the programme and support the Philippines' transition to electric vehicles.