MANILA – The development of electric vehicles (EV) in the country gets a boost after the Senate approved on final reading a bill establishing a national policy and regulatory framework for their use.
Twenty-three senators voted in favor of Senate Bill No. 1382, which designates the Energy Department as the lead agency in developing the electric vehicle industry in the country. It will formulate the Comprehensive Roadmap on Electric Vehicles which will accelerate the electrification of the country’s transportation industry through the promotion of the use of EVs.
One of the bill’s salient points is the construction of charging stations for EVs, the guidelines of which will be formulated by the Department of Public Works and Highways. The Energy Regulatory Commission will promulgate rules and requirements for self-generating charging stations and will regulate rates charged by distribution utilities on all charging stations.
Dedicated spaces for the open access installation of EV charging stations should be provided in private establishments and gasoline stations, as stated in the bill.
The bill also says EVs must constitute at least five percent of the total fleet of companies, local government units, and public transport operators. Establishments should also provide designated parking slots for EVs.
The Department of Transportation is mandated in the bill to regulate and oversee the registration and franchising of EVs in the country.
Meanwhile, the Trade Department would be the main government agency that would formulate guidelines for consumer protection and trade facilitation of EVs, including the sale of their parts and batteries.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources is tasked to make rules on the recycling and disposal of EVs, charging stations, parts, components, and batteries.
Local governments are mandated to identify “green routes” for EVs and issue a Certificate of Inspection to charging stations.
The measure also provides manufacturing, importation, utilization, and non-fiscal incentives to those who will be part of the electric vehicle industry.
As of 2019, around 12,000 EVs, mostly e-tricycles, are registered with the Land Transportation Office.(CNN)
