The Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) Official Statement on the CARS and RACE Programs Funding Veto

The Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) underscores the vital role of strong collaboration between the Government and the Automotive Industry in ensuring the long-term viability and competitiveness of the Philippine auto manufacturing sector. Such partnership is essential in fostering a positive investment climate and in advancing the development of a more robust and sustainable local automotive parts manufacturing industry.

Recent developments have raised serious concerns regarding the funding for financial incentive commitments granted under the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS) Program. These incentives were designed to reward actual performance that has already generated tangible economic benefits, including job creation, technology transfer, and increased local value-added activities. It is imperative that program participants are able to receive the incentives due to them in accordance with their verified accomplishments.

At the same time, the Revitalizing the Automotive Industry for Competitiveness Enhancement (RACE) Program represents a critical transition toward future-focused industry development initiatives. Its timely implementation is crucial to sustaining industry momentum, enhancing competitiveness, and positioning the Philippine automotive sector for emerging global trends.

Both the CARS and RACE Programs are fundamental pillars of the country’s broader industrial development strategy. CAMPI fully trusts and supports the continued efforts of key government agencies in urgently addressing and resolving these important matters, in the shared interest of strengthening the Philippine automotive industry and the national economy.