(AFP)
MANILA, Philippines — A bill seeking to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and make electric vehicles more affordable nationwide has been approved by the House of Representatives on the third and final reading.
During Tuesday’s plenary session, House Bill (HB) 10960, or “An Act Providing for the Tax and Duty Treatment of Electric Vehicles, amending for the purpose Republic Act (RA) 11697,” was approved with 196 lawmakers voting in the affirmative.
Three others objected while one abstained.
The bill was principally authored by Committee on Ways and Means chairperson and Albay Rep. Joey Salceda, PBA Party-list Rep. Margarita Nograles-Almario, and Quirino Rep. Midy Cua.
“The bill specifies that an electric vehicle includes two, three and four-wheeled vehicles, or any other vehicle equipped with at least one electric drive for propulsion,” a statement from Ferdinand Martin Speaker Romualdez’s office earlier explained.
“HB 10960 also provides that the importation of completely built units of EVs shall be subject to a tariff rate of zero percent for a period of five years from the date of effectivity of the bill once enacted,” it added.