Commentary
Their Cars Are Free, Our Products Still Taxed
The Philippines has agreed to remove tariffs on American vehicle imports, a move that signals openness to broader trade, but one that’s also raising questions about fairness and balance.
Under the current deal, the US will lower tariffs on Philippine goods to 19%, just a notch below the 20% previously in place. In exchange, Manila committed to a zero-duty policy on incoming American cars. While this could pave the way for more affordable US vehicles for Filipino consumers, some observers are concerned that the concessions may outweigh the benefits.
Japanese negotiators, for instance, secured a more favorable auto deal — cutting US auto tariffs from 25% to 15%, with no restrictions on import volumes. Meanwhile, Philippine exporters, particularly those outside the electronics sector, will continue to face relatively high US duties.
Economist Michael Ricafort points out that the US remains the country’s top export market, accounting for 17% of total shipments. Although the impact on GDP may be minimal due to the Philippines’ modest export-to-GDP ratio, some local sectors could still feel the pinch.
What’s more, the agreement could have ripple effects on local auto assembly and manufacturing efforts, especially as the Philippines tries to grow its presence in electric vehicles and mobility tech. Giving full access to US carmakers, while admirable for consumer choice, could create tougher competition for local and regional players.
President Marcos has described the deal as a “living thing”, suggesting it may evolve as markets adjust. Still, clarity will be key. Many are waiting on final details, particularly whether electronics exports remain exempt and how other industries will be supported.
There’s also the broader question of whether we are negotiating trade from a position of strength, or a place of accommodation.
While the 19% US tariff is lower than what many ASEAN neighbors face, such as Vietnam at 20%, and Malaysia and South Korea at 25%, the Philippines’ zero-tariff concession stands out. The optics are delicate: we opened our doors wider than most, yet our own exports are still met with significant tariffs.
This doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a bad deal. It could spark more US investment or deepen economic ties. But it’s fair, and necessary, to ask the question:
Are we protecting the industries that need it most, or giving away too much too soon?
“Imagine a scooter faster than your car—160 km/h on EDSA. Would you ride it, or would you run from it?”
If this hits our roads, it’s either the coolest thing you’ll see this year… or the quickest way to trend on Facebook for all the wrong reasons.
UK-based Bo is building the Bo M Turbo, an electric scooter aiming to break the world speed record at over 160 km/h. That’s faster than most cars in Metro Manila traffic—if you can even reach full throttle before hitting a jeepney.
The Turbo packs a 24kW dual-motor system, a 1.8kWh battery, Formula 1-inspired cooling, and quad-piston disc brakes. It even has a power-to-weight ratio higher than a Bugatti Veyron.
Bo’s team includes former Formula 1 and Bloodhound Land Speed Record engineers. They’re taking the Turbo to Bonneville Speed Week in Utah to prove it’s the fastest scooter in the world.
Built for Speed, Priced for the Rich
- Top speed: 160+ km/h
- Range: Up to 241 km at cruising speed (28 km/h)
- Price: Around $29,500 (~₱1.7M)
Not exactly a GrabBike replacement—this is for someone with a Mercedes-AMG in the garage who wants a smaller toy.
The Cheaper Option
Bo also sells the Model M for about ₱94,000, with a 35 km/h top speed and 48 km range. Good for city commutes without scaring pedestrians.
Would you ride a 160 km/h scooter in Manila, or should it stay on the race track?
Lamborghini is in a legal showdown with one of its U.S. dealers, accusing it of selling high-end supercars to unauthorized middlemen — and in some cases, to individuals linked to “drug dealers and pimps.”
At the center of the dispute is Gold Coast Exotic Imports in Chicago, Illinois. The Italian carmaker claims the dealership breached its contract by selling at least 32 vehicles in 2023 to brokers instead of directly to retail buyers or other authorized dealers.
Court filings allege that some buyers had no intention of keeping the cars, flipping them instead for hefty profits. In one example, Lamborghini says a car went to someone previously convicted of fraud tied to laundering money through luxury car sales to criminal networks.
The brand also accuses Gold Coast of demanding off-the-books kickbacks worth hundreds of thousands of dollars in exchange for access to limited-edition models. Since 2019, Lamborghini claims to have paid the dealership over $4 million in incentive bonuses.
Gold Coast denies the allegations, countering that Lamborghini has withheld funds for showroom upgrades, failed to cover marketing costs, and is trying to push out its president, 81-year-old Joseph Perillo Sr. The dealership has taken its grievances to the Illinois Motor Vehicle Review Board.
Despite the heated exchanges, both sides told U.S. District Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer they are in talks for an out-of-court settlement. If that fails, a trial could take place in December 2026.
This dispute follows another high-profile scandal involving Ferrari’s German dealer Mertel Italo Cars, accused of fraud and swiftly cut off by the brand. For Italy’s supercar makers, the twin controversies highlight the ongoing challenge of keeping their exclusive cars out of speculative or criminal hands — and protecting their carefully crafted image.
Quezon City went full force on August 8, 2025, with a large-scale “One-Time Big-Time” operation along G. Araneta Avenue, from Kaliraya Street to Palanza Street. The city aimed to keep roads clear, ease traffic, and prevent flooding caused by clogged drainage and obstructions.
The drive started at 8:00 a.m. and targeted several problem areas:
- Clearing streets and canals filled with garbage
- Removing illegal street dwellers
- Taking out road and sidewalk obstructions
- Towing illegally parked vehicles
- Issuing tickets to ordinance violators
The coordinated effort brought together the Traffic and Transport Management Department (TTMD), Department of Public Order and Safety (DPOS), District Sanitation and Quality Control (DSQC), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Quezon City Police District (QCPD), Social Services Development Department (SSDD), Public Employment Service Office (PESO), and Quezon City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (QCDRRMO), with support from local barangays.
City officials who oversaw the operation included TTMD Head Dexter C. Cardenas, DPOS Clearing and Demolition Chief Remigio B. Gregorio, former District 1 councilor Ollie Belmonte, District IV Action Officer Atty. Zandy Zacate, and MDAD Head P/Col Alex D.J. Alberto (Ret.) PhD.
This was a follow-up to an earlier clearing operation held on August 6, 2025.
The city reminded residents to keep surroundings clean, avoid littering, and follow local laws. Officials stressed that discipline is a shared responsibility—not just the government’s job.
