Board of Investments says no to recall of MVDP

MANILA, Philippines – Vehicle importers are wrong to ask the government to recall the Comprehensive Motor Vehicle Development Plan (MVDP) because of a typographical error in the publication of the Executive Order, the Board of Investments (BOI) said.

“Their basis is not correct. Besides an erratum was already issued to correct the mistake,” acting BOI managing head Efren Leano told reporters on the sidelines of the meeting for the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the MVDP.

According to Leano, it was very clear that the signature was by former Executive Secretary Leandro Mendoza and not by Eduardo Ermita.

A group of importers called the Alliance of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (AVID) wrote to President Aquino and Trade Secretary Gregory L. Domingo to ask for the revocation of the MVDP because it was done in haste and it favors the local manufacturers over importers.

Meanwhile on the development of the IRR, an insider who attended the close door meeting last Friday said that the IRR lacks substance and focuses too much on the development of the Philippine brand vehicle.

Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI) president Elizabeth H. Lee said that the IRR is important to make a strong MVDP. She said they have a long way to go because this is only their third meeting.

“What we have is not strong enough. We need a strong and positive MVDP and this is a very positive step towards that direction,” Lee said.

“The MVDP was written to support the local auto industry especially those who invest heavily in the assembly plants,” she added. –Ma. Elisa P. Osorio (The Philippine Star)