Dear PAO,
I am a jeepney and a taxi operator. All my applications for registration and franchises are taking too much time, while my former wife’s fleet of electric vehicles seems to be given priority. This is unfair.
While it is true that some of my vehicles are in need of repair, I still think that combustion engine vehicles are better than any electric vehicles. Please tell me why my former wife’s application is getting special treatment.
-Ximon
Dear Ximon,
While we sincerely sympathize with your current predicament, we must still tell you that the law, specifically Republic Act (RA) 11697, also known as the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act, which was passed on April 15, 2022, explicitly gives preference to electric vehicles.
Indeed, the aforementioned statute states the following:
“Section 25. Non-Fiscal Incentives. – The following non-fiscal incentives shall remain in force for eight (8) years from the effectivity of this Act:
“(a) For EV users:
“(1) Priority registration and renewal of registration, and issuance of a special type of vehicle plate by LTO;
“(2) Exemption from the mandatory unified vehicular volume reduction program, number-coding scheme, or other similar schemes implemented by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, other similar agencies, and LGUs;
“(3) Expeditious processing by the LTFRB of applications for franchise to operate, including its renewal, for PUV operators that are exclusively utilizing EVs; and
“(4) Availment of TESDA Training Programs on EV assembly, use, maintenance, and repair for its employees;
“(b) For EV Manufacturers and importers, the expeditious processing by the Bureau of Customs on the importation of parts and components for the manufacture and assembly of EVs; and
“(c) For EV manufacturers, the government shall allow expert foreign nationals to be employed under a form of technology transfer agreement, subject to the guidelines that shall be issued by the DOLE, the Professional Regulatory Commission, and the DTI.” (Emphasis ours)
Clearly, the law affords many incentives for electric vehicle owners, operators, importers, and manufacturers, including expeditious processing of LTFRB franchise to operate or certificate of public convenience. It is part of the State’s mandate for a greener Philippines with less reliance on petroleum products.
We hope that we were able to answer your queries. This advice was solely based on the facts you have narrated and our appreciation of the same. Our opinion may vary when other facts are changed or elaborated.
Thank you for your continued trust and support.
Editor’s note: Dear PAO is a daily column of the Public Attorney’s Office. Questions for Chief Acosta may be sent to dearpao@manilatimes.net.
