Tesla has been on the news these past few weeks for good and not-so-good reasons. In the Philippines, the brand just began operations late last year, and is currently expanding its network of charging stations in anticipation of a growing client base. But across the Pacific Ocean, things are not looking very rosy for the carmaker.

The firm is in the spotlight now primarily because of its CEO Elon Musk. Not only does he have strong connections with current US president Donald Trump, but his infamous “salute” during a speaking event isn’t winning him any supporters. Teslas are being referred to as “Swasticars.” Customers are rushing to return or let go of their cars, and dealerships are being attacked. Some owners who opt to keep their vehicles are rebadging them in a futile bid to eliminate their association with the American EV maker.

Another reason why the company’s value is in free fall is increased competition in key overseas markets like China. There was a time when Tesla was the car to get if anyone wanted an electric vehicle. The firm practically held a monopoly in the segment, and everyone simply wanted a Tesla like they desired the latest iPhone model.

But now, things have changed. Not only are established automakers spoiling buyers for choice when it comes to electric offerings, but smaller players in the People’s Republic are also hungry for a slice of the EV pie. Homegrown models like the Xiaomi SU7 are becoming more popular with consumers as they offer far more value than anything Tesla currently sells in the domestic market.

These things are already on top of the sluggish sales of electric cars in the US. The charging network (especially that of Tesla-specific Superchargers) remains limited considering the sort of distances people drive. And even though EV prices have generally dropped over the years, they continue to have a significant price premium over their gasoline and hybrid counterparts.

To be honest, I don’t know what to feel about this. I’ve never been a fan of Tesla and its product range. I do recognize that the firm has paved the way for competing brands to step up their EV game. But while I would be proud to own something like a Honda e or a Hyundai Ioniq 5, I would not want to be seen dead in a Cybertruck.

However, I find it difficult to come up with an impartial explanation as to why I think this way. It’s weird because as an automotive journalist, objectivity is important. The best analogy I could come up with is choosing between Chickenjoy and Chicken McDo. I know they both taste good, but I just couldn’t bring myself to spend my lunch money on the latter.

Fried chicken comparisons aside, what I am concerned about is much of the Tesla workforce. If the company continues its downhill trajectory, it may be forced to close some of its facilities, and consequently lay off people en masse. Owners are also being affected as their vehicles face devaluation from vandalism and sharp depreciation rates.

I guess this whole shitstorm has a chance of dying down if Musk stays away from imitating dictators (and if Tesla sorts out its temperamental Autopilot system). And while I don’t envision myself buying anything from the company, I genuinely hope that it stays alive if only for the sake of its employees and its customers.