House panels OK regulatory framework for use of electric vehicles
Electric vehicle charging port. FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Three committees in the House of Representatives approved Wednesday a measure creating a regulation framework for the use of electric vehicles and development of electric vehicles industry.
During its joint meeting, the House committee on energy, committee on ecology, and committee on transportation approved the unnumbered substitute bill to 15 measures filed in the lower chamber concerning e-vehicles.
Bataan 2nd District Rep. Joet Garcia, who headed the technical working group that consolidated the 15 proposed bills, said that measure seeks to create a Comprehensive Roadmap on Electric Vehicles (CREV) to serve as a national plan with an annual work plan to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles in the country.
Under the measure, Garcia said all gasoline stations as well as public and private establishments are mandated to have designated parking areas for electric vehicles.
All designated electric vehicle parking areas should likewise have charging stations and “green routes” exclusive to electric public utility vehicles shall also be created, Garcia said.
Article continues after this advertisementFurther, Garcia said the bill seeks to provide value added tax exemption for purchase of electric vehicles.
Article continues after this advertisementThe bill also creates the Electric Vehicles Board (EVB) composed of the Secretary of the Department of Energy as the chairperson.
A similar bill is currently under plenary discussions in the Senate.
“We are happy to note that both houses have synchronized their actions towards eventual approval of the electric vehicles bill,” Garcia said during the hearing.
“We are optimistic that with the unwavering support and relentless advocacy of our partners in both the government and private sector we will be able to promote the use of electric vehicles, and the development of electric vehicles,” he added.
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