August 29, 2025 | Manila — In light of recent reports and televised hearings mentioning Francisco Motors as a participant in the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) new RACE Program (Revitalizing the Automotive Industry for Competitiveness Enhancement), Chairman Elmer Francisco has released a strong statement calling for clarity, fairness, and genuine support for local manufacturers.
❓ Mention Without Consultation
Francisco expressed surprise after learning that the company was being positioned as an interested participant during the Congressional Budget Hearing.
“How can they say under oath in a Congressional Budget Hearing that Francisco Motors is interested in joining the RACE Program ‘as it is’ when they haven’t even publicly released the guidelines or even a draft of the Joint Administrative Order (JAO)?” Francisco asked.
“Is it to get their budget approved by Congress? Or are they thinking in advance and will actually support us this time? If that’s the case, thank you. But why am I hearing about this for the first time on TV all over again?”
He clarified that neither he, as Chairman, nor his son, Dominic Francisco, the company’s President & CEO, had been consulted.
⚖️ Key Questions Raised
Francisco outlined several pressing concerns that highlight what is at stake for Filipino automakers under the proposed RACE Program:
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Who is crafting the guidelines?
– Are these being drafted in consultation with local jeepney manufacturers, or are foreign manufacturers once again dictating standards — as confirmed under oath in a previous Senate Hearing regarding the Philippine National Standard (PNS)? -
Why prioritize foreign manufacturers?
– Why are taxpayer funds being channeled to already wealthy foreign corporations while Filipino-owned companies are left without equal access to incentives? -
What happens when foreign firms leave?
– History has shown that multinational companies exit when conditions are more favorable abroad, leaving the Philippines “back to square one.” In contrast, local manufacturers like Francisco Motors will always remain because this is home.
Global Expansion, Filipino Soul
Francisco Motors has already begun expanding globally, establishing a strong presence in the United States, Thailand, China, and Africa. These markets provide supportive business environments and clear incentives that enable rapid growth.
Yet, Francisco underscored that despite going global, the brand’s identity will never change:
“The soul of our vehicles will always be Filipino. When our government is ready to actually support in actions and not just in words and empty promises, we would gladly continue our integrated manufacturing facility in the Philippines. But until then, we will not force ourselves into an environment that is unwelcoming and unnecessarily difficult.”
A Call for True Support
Francisco’s statement underscores the urgency of leveling the playing field. If the Philippines is serious about modernizing its transport sector and empowering its people, support must be equal, transparent, and prioritized for Filipino companies.
Anything less risks turning taxpayer funds into subsidies for foreign manufacturers, while local pioneers—the very companies that shaped Philippine transportation history—are sidelined.
✨ Final Word
Francisco Motors is ready and willing to take part in national programs that strengthen the Philippine automotive industry. But participation must be based on clear guidelines, equal treatment, and genuine collaboration—not token mentions, not empty promises.
Until then, Francisco Motors will continue to scale globally, proving that when governments support innovation, Filipino ingenuity thrives.
