The Bacolod City Council has expressed support for the proposal of a Chinese electric (e)-vehicle manufacturer to partner with the city government for the establishment of an e-jeepney assembly plant in the city.

Councilor Jude Thaddeus Sayson said yesterday they granted Mayor Alfredo Benitez the authority to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Jiangsu Fengchuen New Energy Power Technology Co. Ltd. during a special session held on Tuesday afternoon, February 21.

“The Chinese group just wants an assurance that they will have the support of the local government. With this resolution, we see that the MOU will make their plan a reality, and so they would be serious to build this plant in Bacolod,” Sayson, who sat as the presiding officer, said in an interview.

“If ever things are okay, we will sign another contract. This is our way of telling them that we are interested and you are welcome in Bacolod City,” he added.

The resolution, which was unanimously approved by all 10 council members present, also required the Chinese firm to submit a copy of the general information sheet or document to enter into an MOU with the city before it was ratified by the city council.

Benitez earlier said the China-based e-vehicle firm will bring in test units to Bacolod and has assured him that the design of the vehicle will preserve the cultural identity of Filipino public transport by making it look like the Philippines’ iconic “Sarao” jeepney.

Benitez first met with the Chinese investors when he joined President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s state visit to Beijing in January.

He said the Chinese firm is eyeing to invest $200 million for the e-jeepney assembly plant in the city. (PNA)