It seems that two bills regulating the use of electric vehicles (EV) and vintage vehicles have relapsed into laws. Without President Rodrigo Duterte’s signature, the bills have automatically lapsed into laws following the Constitution.
R.A. 11697 or CREVI
Republic Act 11697, otherwise known as Comprehensive Roadmap for the Electric Vehicle Industry (CREVI), will serve as a national development plan for the electric vehicles (EV) industry to accelerate the development, commercialization, and utilization of EVs in the country.
The said law designates the Department of Energy (DOE) as the primary agency responsible for the promotion of the adoption of EVs and the development of charging stations and related equipment. The agency must also ensure a set of rules and guidelines for everyone to follow regarding the use and maintenance of charging stations and all related equipment.
On top of this, the DOE shall also be responsible for the accreditation of charging station providers. This includes ensuring that providers are in compliance with the Philippine Electrical Code and other relevant laws and orders such as Republic Act 7920 or the New Electrical Engineering Law. Lastly, they should also ensure compliance with the unbundling of charging fees by commercial use charging stations
Under this bill, the Energy Regulatory Commission is designated to regulate the rates charged by all charging stations; the Department of Transportation for the development of the EV demand generation and the regulation and registration of all EVs; and the Department of Trade and Industry with the promotion and development of the EV industry in the local manufacturing sector.
R.A. 11698 or the Vintage Vehicle Regulation
The next relapsed bill which came into law is R.A. 11698 or the Vintage Vehicle Regulation.
The said act “regulates the use and other activities related to vintage automobiles and other historical, classic, or collector motor vehicles.”
Vintage car collectors and enthusiasts will be thrilled to know that the law will not require the vehicles to meet clean-air, anti-pollution, safety, road-use, and other standards that were not in force at the time of their manufacture. This is due to the fact that the technology available at the time of the vehicle’s manufacturer will definitely not meet today’s modern standards
According to the law, however, “vintage vehicles manufactured after December 31, 1967 must be fitted with safety belts as mandated by Republic Act 8750 or the ‘Seat Belts Use Act of 1999.”
Under R.A. 11698, vintage vehicles whether Concours, RESTOMOD and/or for repair or restoration, with authentic components, original or replica body shells, engines and transmissions, spare parts and accessories may be imported to the Philippines by anyone.
Vintage vehicles may also be exported without restriction, save for vintage vehicles of Presidents of the Philippines, which may only be exported for repair or restoration purposes and with the NHCP’s approval.
The Bureau of Customs is tasked to differentiate Concours, RESTOMOD and for restoring vintage vehicles for purposes of valuation for tariffs, import duties and other taxes of imported vintage vehicles.
Restoration shops and companies importing and exporting vintage vehicles will be eligible to avail the fiscal and tax incentives provided in RA 11594.
“The prohibition on the importation, registration and use of right-hand drive vehicles shall not apply to vintage vehicles manufactured on or before December 31, 1970 or to vintage vehicles intended principally for racing or other motorsports,” according to the law.
featured image courtesy of motortrend.com
