The government of the Philippines is taking steps to regulate the use of electric vehicles (EVs) on major roads in Metro Manila, according to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA). A meeting was held with various officials, including the MMDA Acting Chairman Don Artes, Land Transportation Office (LTO) Chief Vigor Mendoza, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chairman Teofilo Guadiz 3rd, and Department of Transportation (DoTr) Undersecretary Jose Lim, to discuss the existing laws, policies, guidelines, ordinances, and programs related to EVs at both the national and local government levels.
Don Artes, the Acting Chairman of MMDA, expressed concerns about the proliferation of EVs and the need to reconcile the existing ordinances, regulations, and programs of local government units (LGUs) with national government policies. Artes emphasized that the presence of e-vehicle units, such as e-tricycles, e-bikes, e-pedicabs, e-scooters, push carts, and kuligligs on the roads not only slows down traffic flow but also poses risks to drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.
One of the issues highlighted by Artes is the lack of licensing and registration requirements for e-vehicle users. This poses challenges for law enforcement agencies in issuing traffic violation tickets and holding vehicle owners accountable for any violations. The San Mateo Municipality in the Province of Rizal has already banned tricycles and e-bikes on major thoroughfares, complying with the order of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
Data from the MMDA reveals that minors are often seen driving e-vehicles on national highways, some drivers do not wear helmets or protective gear, and some users traverse their units in the middle of highways. To address these concerns, Artes emphasized the need to develop new regulations that prioritize safety. The aim is to consolidate and harmonize existing rules, regulations, and programs of both LGUs and the national government concerning EVs, not only in Metro Manila but nationwide.
As part of the regulatory process, Metro Manila LGUs have been requested to submit a list of their own ordinances, regulations, and programs related to the use of EVs for livelihood purposes. This information will help in identifying any gaps and ensuring a comprehensive approach to regulation. The Land Transportation Office (LTO) Chief Vigor Mendoza highlighted the possibility of requiring registration of e-vehicles and obtaining a driver’s license for users as potential changes.
Teofilo Guadiz, the Chairman of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), expressed concerns about the increasing number of e-trikes, as they compete with legitimate public utility vehicles (PUVs) and hinder the government’s plan to modernize the transportation system. Cooperation between the LTFRB, MMDA, and LTO is being sought to apprehend e-trikes operating without the necessary franchises.
The meeting involved officials from various government agencies, including the Department of Transportation (DoTr) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). The common objective is to regulate the use of electric motor vehicles and harmonize existing policies in response to the growing number of EVs in Metro Manila.
By implementing effective regulations, the government aims to ensure the safe and organized integration of electric vehicles into the transportation system. These measures will not only address traffic concerns but also enhance the overall efficiency and sustainability of public transportation in Metro Manila and beyond.
Source: The Manila Times
