RA 11697 EVIDA Law: Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act Philippines

Republic Act No. 11697, otherwise known as the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA Law), is a law that serves as the government’s proposed solution to the ever-increasing fuel prices. It not only outlines the regulatory framework and creates a comprehensive roadmap for the operation of electric vehicles (EVs), but also governs “the manufacture, assembly, importation, construction, installation, maintenance, trade and utilization, research and development, and regulation of electric vehicles” in response to the problems associated with the country’s dependence on the dwindling fossil fuels.

The law which became effective in April 2022 is expected to encourage growth for this industry, helping the country move towards a greener mobility with a fossil fuel-free environment. It is also designed in hopes of attracting high-tech investments to stay and support the country as it copes with the ongoing global shift to EVs. This article provides an overview of the EVIDA Law, along with the purpose, benefits, and incentives that comes with development, manufacture, and overall operations of EVs. 

evida law Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act philippines

What are Electric Vehicles (EVs)

Electric vehicles, or EVs, are vehicles designed in such a way that they don’t use gasoline. Instead of a gasoline tank, EVs come with large batteries used to power their motors. EVs run on batteries, so in order to use them, one simply needs to connect them to an electrical source in order to refuel or recharge, exactly like charging your smartphone or laptop from an outlet.

Advantage and Disadvantages of using EVs

Using EVs come with certain benefits, including the following:

  • They’re energy-efficient.

Compared to conventional cars, EVs are designed with a smart system and regenerative braking to make it more energy-efficient. 

  • It is rechargeable from home so your home can serve as your own fuel station.

Even if your EV rums out of juice, you can simply charge at home, so you don’t have to worry about exorbitant gas prices ever again.

  • They’re easier to maintain .

Compared to gas-powered cars, electric cars are so much easier to maintain. There’s no more need to deal with oil changes, spark plug changes, and the upkeep of combustion-related parts.

  • They’re environment-friendly

Cars that rely on a combustion system produce emissions that are harmful to the environment. Purely electric cars, on the other hand, don’t have any direct emissions since they’re powered by electricity. EVs also run quietly, so they don’t contribute to noise pollution.

Unfortunately, there’s always two sides to a coin. Hence, the drawbacks of using EVs in the Philippines are listed as follows:

  • They’re expensive

Compared with gas-powered vehicles, electric vehicles in the Philippines come with a hefty price tag. You might need to shell out twice as much when buying EVs, compared to when you are purchasing conventional cars. 

  • Commercial recharging stations are rare

Though EVs can be charged at home, running out of juice outside can be a problem. After all, EVs are new in the Philippines, which means charging stations are scarce. That said, you will have to be extra careful about planning your trips in advance.  

  • They have shorter driving ranges

Entry-level EVs have short driving ranges in between charges, so you’d want to use your EVs only for short trips. can cover less distance between charges. 

  • Charging takes time

Some electric cars in the Philippines takes approximately 5 hours to a day to reach a full charge, which could be a problem if you have last-minute travel plans. Some models may have a fast charging feature, but recharging them still takes about 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Are there electric cars in the Philippines

Yes. But the number of models available in the country is limited. Despite this, things are starting to look up for the EV industry. For one, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has approved the temporary reduction of tariffs on EVs and spare parts to 0%, in an effort to encourage motorists to consider EVs.

The government also created the EV Industry Development Act (EVIDA Law) and the Comprehensive Roadmap for the Electric Vehicle Industry (CREVI), a roadmap to boost the development, commercialization and utilization of electric vehicles in the Philippines. 

What is the EVIDA Law

The EVIDA Law or Republic Act (RA) 11697 is the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act. It passed into law on April 15, 2022, and is the Philippine government’s new movement towards a greener mobility and fossil fuel-free environment. 

The EVIDA Law outlines the regulatory framework and creates a comprehensive roadmap for the operation of electric vehicles (EVs) in the Philippines. It governs everything about EVs, including but not limited to “the manufacture, assembly, importation, construction, installation, maintenance, trade and utilization, research and development, and regulation of electric vehicles” along with other benefits which will be detailed in the next sections. 

EVIDA Law Mandates 

The EVIDA Law was primarily created to provide a regulatory framework and a roadmap for E-Vehicle’s operation in the Philippines. The law ensures that the following purposes are served:

  • Ensure the country’s energy security and independence by reducing reliance on imported fuel for the transportation sector;
  • Provide an enabling environment for the development of electric vehicles including options for micro mobility as an attractive and feasible mode of transportation to reduce dependence on fossil fuels;
  • Promote and support innovation in clean, sustainable, and efficient energy to accelerate social progress and human development by encouraging public and private use of low emission and other alternative energy technologies;
  • Protect the health and well-being of the people from the hazards of pollution and the greenhouse effect;
  • Safeguard and improve the integrity, reliability, and stability of the country’s electric power grid by optimizing the location of energy sources relative to demand;
  • Promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization while recognizing the role of the private sector in order to support the transition to new technologies, generate jobs, spur small and medium enterprise growth, attract investments, grow globally competitive and innovative industries, and upgrade the country’s participation in regional and global value chains, consistent with the Philippine Development Plan and the country’s international obligations under the United Nations Sustainable Development Agenda;
  • Generate employment opportunities for the local skilled workforce to sustain their livelihood;
  • Protect and safeguard the country’s cultural heritage through the Philippine transportation system, which remain an underlying factor in progress and innovation; and
  • Recognize the role of local government units (LGUS) as competent partners of the national government in the smooth transition to this innovation by providing them capacity-building support.

What is CREVI

As part of the goals of the EVIDA Law, the Comprehensive Roadmap for the Electric Vehicle Industry (CREVI) was created. Under the provisions of the CREVI, a national development roadmap, the EV industry gets an annual plan that will help accelerate and boost the development, commercialization and utilization of electric vehicles in the Philippines via the following four (4) components:

  • EVs and charging stations component which includes:
    • Development of standards and specification of EVs and charging stations,
    • Industry promotion of EVs,
    • Designation of dedicated parking slots for EVs, and
    • Construction or installation of charging stations in dedicated parking slots and dedicated spaces,
  • Manufacturing component which includes:
    • Promotion and development of the local manufacturing of the EV industry, and
    • Manufacturing standards for EVs, batteries and facilities including recycling facilities, parts and components, and charging stations and related equipment,
  • Research and development component, and
  • Human resource development component which includes skills and capacity-building of needed personnel

EVIDA Law Incentives

The EVIDA Law also included the following benefits:

Non-Fiscal Incentives

  • Priority registration
  • Priority renewal of registration
  • Issuance of a special type of vehicle plate.
  • Exemption from the mandatory unified vehicular volume reduction program, number-coding scheme, or other similar schemes implemented by different government agencies.
  • Expeditious processing of applications for the franchise to operate public utility vehicles for operators that are exclusively utilizing EVs.
  • Expeditious processing of renewals for the franchise to operate public utility vehicles for operators that are exclusively utilizing EVs.
  • Expeditious processing by the Bureau of Customs of the importations of EV manufacturers and importers.
  • Permit for foreign nationals to be employed under technology transfer agreements, subject to the guidelines of the relevant government agencies.

Fiscal Incentives

  • The manufacture and assembly of EVs, charging stations, batteries and parts and components thereof shall undergo an evaluation process to determine the following:
    • inclusion in the strategic investment priority plan and 
    • possible entitlement to the incentives for the length of time 
  • The importation of completely built EVs shall generally be entitled to incentives under the TRAIN Act (R.A. No. 10963).
  • The importation of completely built charging stations shall be exempt from the payment of duties for eight years from the effectivity of the EVIDA Law
  • The utilization of battery EVs and hybrid-EVs shall be entitled to a discount of 30% and 15%, respectively, from the payment of the motor vehicle user’s charge, vehicle registration and inspection fee for eight years from the effectivity of EVIDA.

Other Benefits

Other benefits of EV ownership resulting from the enactment of the EVIDA Law includes:

  • Long-term 100 percent excise tax exemptions for full battery operated vehicles 
  • Long-term 50 percent excise tax exemptions for hybrid vehicles that operate both by fuel and battery 
  • More job opportunities for local skilled workers
  • Lesser reliance on imported fuel
  • Designated electric vehicle charging stations in gasoline stations
  • Priority designated parking from various establishments 
  • Savings from fuel pump 
  • Greener environment and an economical upgrade for vehicles

Video: DOTr and LTO Explains Using Electric Vehicles in the Philippines

Here’s a video of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Land Transportation Office (LTO) explaining the benefits and usage of electric vehicles in the Philippines. The video showcases different types of electric vehicles, such as e-trikes, e-jeeps, and e-buses, that are being used in the country for public transportation. It also suggests tips for Filipinos who wish to purchase their own electric vehicles and how to properly maintain them.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

For your reference, here are some common questions and answers related to electric vehicles and the EVIDA Law.

1. Are electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles exempted from UVVRP or the number coding scheme?

Yes. Hybrid vehicles, along with electric vehicles (EVs) come with certain perks under Republic Act 11697 or the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA), which includes the exemption from the Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP) or number coding.

2. Are electric vehicles legal in the Philippines?

Yes. However, the number of currently available EV models in the Philippines is limited. This won’t be for long as things are now starting to look up for the EV industry.

3. Can electric cars be registered with LTO?

Yes. For an EV to be assigned a special plate, it must first be issued a certification of roadworthiness—which will check its electric components, battery, and charging system, among others.

4. Does an e-bike require a license in the Philippines?

Yes. Depending on the type of e-vehicle owned, e-bike and EV users also need to get a driver’s license and an e-bike license in the Philippines.

5. What is the difference between hybrid cars and Electric Vehicles?

A hybrid car and an electric vehicle (EV) both depend on electricity, but there are obvious differences between them. An EV is purely electric that solely relies on its battery to run. On the other hand, a hybrid vehicle has a gasoline engine paired with at least one electric motor so users of hybrid vehicles can choose between the two power sources or even combine them depending on the driving requirements. Moreover, a hybrid car doesn’t need an external charging point, as it already charges its own battery.

Summary

With the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA Law) in place, the development, manufacturing, and use of electric vehicles (EV) as well as hybrid vehicles has pushed forward onto a more progressive state. The guidance offered by the CREVI, the specialized framework and roadmap designed for EV manufacture, assembly, importation, construction, installation, maintenance, trade and utilization, research and development, and regulation of electric vehicles under the EVIDA Law, has made the electric vehicle industry more legal and focused into the future prospects. Not only that, the provisions of the law allows for incentives for the users, which makes EVs an even more popular option among the Filipino car users while the government and the citizenry addresses the problems associated with the country’s dependence on the dwindling fossil fuels resources. With the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA Law), the government hopes to attract high-tech investments to stay and support the country as it copes with the ongoing global shift to EVs as well as its fight for a more environmentally-friendly transport system in the Philippines.

List of LTO Exams for Drivers and Conductors in the Philippines

The written exams dished out by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) are there for a reason: to measure the driver’s and conductor’s license applicants’ comprehension of crucial subjects like road rules and regulations, traffic signs, road markings, and emergencies. Doing so ensures that those who work with vehicles know everything they need to know in order to behave and act appropriately on the road. 

There are different types of LTO exams that both drivers and conductors are required to take in order to secure the requirements they need to get a license. There are practical and written exams, and some of them are available online and in person, via a pen-and-paper test. In this guide, we rounded up a complete list of all the LTO exams there is, to help you identify and prepare for the ones you will need to take to secure your license. 

lto exams list types of lto exams for drivers and conductors

Types of LTO Exams for Drivers and Conductors

Here’s a complete list of LTO exams for both drivers and conductors in the Philippines:

For Drivers

Theoretical Driving Course (TDC) Exam

LTO’s Theoretical Driving Course (TDC) Exam refers to the written exam at he end of the 15-hour TDC seminar.  The driver’s license applicants are expected to attend a classroom session covering numerous topics or modules—from the LTO basics to the comprehensive discussion on the safe use of motor vehicles. It also comes with actual driving practices, when taken in private driving schools.

It can be taken either at an LTO branch, online, at an LTO Driver Education Center (DEC), or at any LTO-accredited institutions. The course culminates in a written exam that varies in number depending on the following license classifications:

  • For non-professional driver’s license application: Applicants need to get at least thirty (30) correct answers out of forty (40) questions.

  • For professional driver’s license application: Applicants need to get at least forty-five (45) correct answers out of sixty (60) questions. 

The TDC exam covers the following topics:

  • The progress and role of the LTO in our society’s growth

  • The organization and operation of the LTO

  • Requirements and process of getting a driver’s license

  • Traffic regulations that include signs, road markings, and right of way

  • Specific directives and laws designed by the LTO

  • Scanning of danger to reduce road crash risks

  • Operations of automotive parts and related accessories

  • Effective driving with proper maneuvering

  • Different parking skills

  • Techniques and tips on how to save fuel

  • The correct way of checking the safety of a vehicle

  • Practicum on basic troubleshooting

  • Defensive driving, road discipline, and other related practices 

  • Comprehensive discussion regarding the safe use of motorcycle and light motor vehicles 

LTO Driver’s License Application Written Exam

The Driver’s License Application Written Exam, generally known as LTO (written) exam, refers to the pen-and-paper or online exam taken right before the practical driving test. This test will decide whether or not you can proceed to the practical driving test which is yet another step towards acquiring a driver’s license. To pass the test, you need to get the following score:

The LTO written exam for driver’s license application, whether taken in English or Filipino (Tagalog), remains a randomized 25-, 40-, or 60-item multiple choice exam that covers the same six (6) different subjects including:  

  • General Driving Knowledge
    • defensive driving

    • proper techniques

    • road safety

    • stress management

    • driving rules

    • licenses, and 

    • maintenance

  • Parking
    • parking rules and restrictions on Philippines roads 

  • Emergencies
    • road emergencies, 

    • what to do when involved in mechanical failures, and 

    • accidents

  • Handling & Driving
    • how to drive the optimal way

    • rights and responsibilities of drivers on the road

    • common regulatory rules

    • traffic signs and signals, and 

    • making sure that the vehicle’s documents are up-to-date and in order

  • Road Signs & Lane Markings
    • traffic signs

    • signals

    • pavement markings

    • This also ensures that you know enough of the rules regarding regulatory signs such as no U-turn, no right turn, or left turn not only to pass the exam, but also to ensure both yours and others’ safety on the road. 

  • Road Position
    • yielding 

    • right of way and 

    • everything else about where you should position your vehicle while driving

Practical Driving Test

The Practical Driving Course (PDC) Exam is a practical exam that every aspiring driver needs to pass. It is taken during the license application, after the applicant passed the LTO written exam.

The actual practical test is a short one, maybe around five (5) minutes or so, depending on the driver and it requires the license applicants to make only one round on an obstacle course.

It involves driving straight on a flat and elevated road, parking, and making tight turns and can be taken using either an LTO vehicle, your own car, or your driving school’s vehicle. To pass, the applicant needs to score 70/100. 

The exam criteria is as follows:

  • pre-driving check-up

  • driving skills, and 

  • observance of traffic rules

Driver Enhancement Program (DEP)

The Driver Enhancement Program is a program exclusively designed in accordance with RA 10930 for those who are looking to renew and extend the validity of their licenses. The program is divided into two types: the Comprehensive Driver Education (CDE) Exam for law-abiding drivers and the Driver Reorientation Course (DRC) Exam for driving who like to live on the edge and has made violations for the duration of the validity of the license to be renewed. 

Comprehensive Driver Education (CDE) Exam

The Comprehensive Driver Education (CDE) Exam is the “final exam” for the drivers who are renewing their expired licenses. It’s the culminating activity in the LTO-mandated complete the Comprehensive Driver’s Education (CDE) course, a five (5) hour mandatory refresher course for drivers and motorcycle riders designed to ensure that only qualified applicants with adequate driving skills, knowledge of road safety, and proper road etiquette have their licenses renewed.

To secure a Comprehensive Driver’s Education (CDE) certificate, the licensee must pass the CDE Validating Exam either in person at the LTO Driver’s Education Center (DEC) in select LTO offices or online through the Land Transport Management System (LTMS) portal. To take the exam online, they must first create an account in LTO’s LTMS Portal and pass the exam with at least 20 correct answers out of 25 multiple choice questions (80 percent rating) regardless of license classification.

The actual CDE Examination covers the following topics:

  • Road Safety
    • Road etiquette, dealing with driving stress, and avoiding road rage

    • The causes of traffic accidents and how to avoid them

    • Engine breakdowns: what causes them and how to avoid them.

    • Roadside emergencies: how to respond and what to do in an emergency.

    • A driver’s duties, responsibilities, and legal rights

  • Traffic Rules and Regulations

  • Land Transportation-Related Laws
    • RA 4136 – Traffic and administrative rules, policies and regulations, fines, penalties, and demerit system. Take special attention to over-speeding and overloading.

    • Special laws on driving such as the
      • Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act (RA 10586)

      • the Seatbelt Law (RA 8750)

      • Anti-Distraction Driving Law (RA 10913)

      • Child Safety in Motor Vehicle Act (RA 11229)

      • Child Safety in Motorcycle Act (RA 10666)

Driver Reorientation Course (DRC) Exam

The Driver Reorientation Course (DRC) Exam is a lot like the CDE validation exam, it’s like the flip side of a coin. The course, which was designed pursuant to Sections 14 and 15 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) as well as Section 26 of the Republic Act 4136, otherwise known as the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, is the counterpart of the CDE for licensees who had accumulated at least five (5) to ten (10) demerit points or who had committed the same violation for at least three (3) times during the validity of the driver’s license.

This Driver’s Reorientation Course (DRC) exam is a pen-and-paper test proctored by either the Traffic Safety Division (TSD) or Driver Education Center (DEC) personnel. Upon passing the DRC culminating exam, the driver will receive a Certificate of Completion (COC) which is a requirement for driver’s license renewal with the Land Transportation Office (LTO). It is available in English and Filipino and like the CDE, also features twenty-five (25)-item randomized multiple choice questions to be answered within 30 minutes. Likewise, it requires 80% or 20 correct answers to pass. Unlike the CDE, however, the DRC is exclusively designed for those who have committed traffic or driving violations during the validity of the driver’s license to be renewed. It is particularly important to go through the DRC as failure to do so within thirty (30) days from the date of the last apprehension shall cause the suspension of the driver’s license until the required attendance to the course is complied with.

The LTO DRC exam covers the following topics: 

  • Road Safety
    • Road etiquette, especially when dealing with stress and road rage

    • Traffic accident causes and how to avoid them

    • Engine breakdowns causes and how to avoid them

    • Roadside emergencies and how to respond and act accordingly

    • Driver’s duties, responsibilities, and legal rights

  • Traffic Rules and Regulations
    • Road discipline

    • Identifying traffic signals, traffic signs, and road markings

    • Proper usage of highways and expressways

  • Land Transportation-Related Laws
    • RA 4136 – Traffic and administrative rules, policies and regulations, fines, penalties, and demerit system. Take special attention to over-speeding and overloading.4

    • Special laws on driving such as the
      • Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act (RA 10586)

      • the Seatbelt Law (RA 8750)

      • Anti-Distraction Driving Law (RA 10913)

      • Child Safety in Motor Vehicle Act (RA 11229)

      • Child Safety in Motorcycle Act (RA 10666)

For Conductors

Conductor’s License Application Written Exam

Like the driver’s licenses issued by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) under the mandate of the Land Transportation and Traffic Code (RA 4136), the Conductor’s license comes with both a written and practical test taken at the LTO. After all, conductors need to know what they are doing since they are the ones who are held liable in cases of violations regarding overloading of passengers or freight or cargo beyond its registered carrying capacity.

Much like the Professional Driver’s License (PDL) exam, the Conductor’s License exam is a necessary step for those who wish to work as a conductor and earn. It requires applicants to take a 20-item written assessment and to attend an orientation or enhancement program, regardless of whether he can or cannot drive. It doesn’t require or give one the authority to drive, but it does allow the bearer to legally perform the following:

  • collecting and issuing tickets, passes or fares

  • checking the validity of issued tickets

  • attending to the passengers
    providing assistance regarding boarding, seating and luggage particularly to the elderly, sick, disabled, or injured passengers;

  • opening and closing doors for passengers;

  • performing safety checks prior to departure

  • signaling to drivers to stop or proceed when passengers disembark

  • greeting passengers, checking boarding transportation equipment, and announcing routes and stops
    ensuring that safety regulations are observed

  • responding to passengers requests and complaints; and

  • taking charge of appropriate actions in cases of emergencies or accidents

Conductor Theoretical Course (CTC) Exam

All applicants for a Conductor’s License are required to undergo the mandatory eight (8)-hour Conductor’s Theoretical Course (CTC) conducted by the LTO DECs. They also need to pass 80% of the required examination after the completion of the course before they can be issued a CTC Certificate of Completion (COC) which will then be electronically transmitted to the LTO LTMS. The DECs usually offer CTC classes at least twice a month through an appointment system. No other driving institution is allowed to conduct the CTC unless duly authorized by the LTO, as per Memorandum Circular MC_JMT_2023_2390. 

Conductor Enhancement Program (CEP)

Just like the Driver Enhancement Programs (DEP), conductors need to complete and pass the culminating exam of the Conductor Enhancement Program (CEP)—a program exclusively designed in accordance with RA 10930 for those who are looking to renew and extend the validity of their conductor license. The program is not divided into two types, though it is a lot like the Comprehensive Driver Education (CDE) Exam for the law-abiding conductors who like to live on the edge and has made violations for the duration of the validity of the license to be renewed. 

Summary

The LTO exams are in place for good reasons. First, they remind and refresh the license applicants, regardless if it’s for a driver’s or a conductor’s license, of the things they need to do and remember to do.

These exams also ensure that they remember the dos and don’ts of the road, before they are allowed to run free on open roads. Passing the exams mean that the license applicant has earned his license, even though not every license holder is as careful on the road as they are expected to be. 

How to Request for Lifting of Alarm Certificate from PNP-HPG

Just like how the Certificate of No Alarm (CNA) proves that a vehicle is free of any alarm tags or bad records at the Land Transportation Office (LTO), the Lifting of Alarm Certificate proves that whatever alarm tag was on the vehicle is effectively banished or removed. Usually, this is usually requested after a vehicle is cleared or retrieved after being involved in circumstances like accidents, theft, or other situation that calls for an investigation. It is also of particular importance as a vehicle with an alarm tag cannot be registered or renewed since payments of fines won’t be accepted either. Hence, the need for a Lifting of Alarm Certificate.  

You might think that no sane owner or buyer will ever buy or want a motor vehicle (MV) with such history, but whether you believe it or not, there is actually a significant number of motor vehicle owners and buyers whose vehicles were tagged and placed under an alarm with the LTO. It doesn’t necessarily mean that these vehicles are stolen or were in an accident, but it does happen. That said, such alarms affect the renewal of their registrations, consequently causing trouble for the car owners, so it’s best to learn about getting them out of the way. 

Request for Lifting of Alarm Certificate from PNP-HPG

What is Lifting of Alarm Certificate

A Lifting of Alarm Certificate or Certificate of Lifting of Alarm is a document issued to the registered owner or his/her authorized representative or any applicant requesting for the lifting of alarm on a motor vehicle. This certification document is issued after the requesting party submits or complies with the required documents needed in filing of alarm and after such request is granted the approval of both the Philippine National Police – Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) Motor Vehicle Clearing Committee (MVCC) and the Director of the HPG himself. 

A Lifting of Alarm Certificate needs to be requested from the PNP-HPG Motor Vehicle and Concerns Section (MVCS) before it can be issued. It is issued only after the registered owner or his authorized representative successfully requests the cancellation or lifting of alarm on the subject MV. There are also specific requirements that the requesting party needs to provide, before such a certificate can be issued. The certificate document itself is free of charge, but the same cannot be said of the requirements needed before you can acquire one. 

What does Lifting of Alarm mean

Lifting of Alarm means that a recovered motor vehicle can be released to the owner or party entitled to the possession of the subject MV upon submission of the required documents coupled with an application for the lifting of alarm as approved by the Director, HPG, upon endorsement by the HPG Motor Vehicle Clearing Committee.

Different Recovery Cases that Require Lifting of Alarm

  • In case of self-recovery, the owner of the vehicle shall be required to execute an affidavit about the circumstances leading to the retrieval of the vehicle. 

  • In case of recovery by a police unit, other than HPG, the appropriate spot report or recovery report shall be submitted as a requirement for lifting of alarm. In case of recovery by the Regional Highway Patrol Units (RHPUs) or other HPG Units, the HPG recovering unit shall inform the registered owner or the party-in-interest of such recovery, in writing, within fifteen (15) days from recovery thereof.

Upon the release of the recovered vehicle, the HPG recovering unit will need to photograph the actual turn over of the vehicle to the owner (or the party-in-interest) and such photos along with a report must be submitted to the Director, HPG, copy furnished the Intelligence Division, Operations Division and Investigation and Detection Management Division of the HPG.

Lifting of Alarm/ Cancellation from the Watchlist

The process of requesting the lifting of alarm is usually done by the owner of the motor vehicle or his successor-in-interest or duly authorized representative may apply for the vehicle’s cancellation from the HPG watchlist as soon as the basis for its inclusion in the watchlist ceases to exist

Who Needs a Certificate of Lifting of Alarm

The following people are the only ones who are eligible to or may need to request for and acquire a Certificate of Lifting of Alarm:

  • Registered owner 

  • Authorized representative of motor vehicle owner

Requirements For Cancellation or Lifting Of Alarm Certificate

Listed below are the complete documentary requirements that one must prepare prior to making a request for Cancellation or Lifting of Alarm for the subject MV.

General Requirements

  • One (1) original copy of Request form for Lifting of alarm  

  • One (1) original copy of Original OR/CR or sales invoice of the Subject MV

  • One (1) original copy of the Police report from the local PNP unit who has territorial jurisdiction on the area where the incident occurred.

  • One (1) original copy of the lifting endorsement from concerned recovering RHPUs. 

  • One (1) original copy of authenticated copies of MV records from LTO

  • One (1) original copy of Complaint Sheet/ filed Carnapping Case/Alarm Sheet

  • One (1) original copy of HPG Alarm and or Complaints Sheet/Endorsement from RHPUs.

  • One (1) original copy of Spot Recovery Report or Affidavit of Self Recovery

  • One (1) original copy of Macro Etching Result (Original Copy);  

  • One (1) photocopy of MV inspection report (authenticated by the LTO and clearly showing the stencil of the engine and chassis numbers)

  • One (1) original copy of turnover release of MV

  • One (1) original copy of notarized Certificate of No Claims from Insurance or Affidavit of No Claims (Notarized) – ( 1 original copy);

  • One (1) original copy of picture of Motor Vehicle (rear/front) 

Additional Requirements

  • One (1) original copy of 2×3 Pictures of Applicant/representative /registered owner

  • One (1) original copy and one photocopy of two (2) pcs. of Valid ID’s of applicant/registered owner with three (3) specimen signatures

  • Two (2) pcs of 2×3 picture of the person who had control of the motor vehicle when it was seized.

  • If the MV is encumbered: One (1) original copy of Certificate of Encumbrance and Statement of Account and a photocopy of OR/CR authenticated by the financing company);

  • If the registered owner of the rightful owner is a private individual: One (1) original copy of Special Power of Attorney 

  • If the subject MV is owned by a corporation: One (1) original copy of Corporate Secretary with Board Resolution  

  • If the rightful owner of the vehicle has not yet processed the transfer of ownership with LTO: One (1) original copy of Deed of sale

  • If the previous owner has already claimed insurance proceeds from the insurance company: One (1) original copy of Release of Claims and One (1) original copy of Deed of Sale

  • For surviving spouse: One (1) original copy of Death Certificate and Marriage Certificate

  • For surviving heirs: One (1) original copy of Extrajudicial Settlement  

  • For authorized representatives: One (1) original copy of Special Power of Attorney (SPA) and One (1) original copy and one (1) photocopy of Valid ID

Procedures for Requests of Cancellation or Lifting of Alarms

For the complete procedures for securing a Lifting of Alarm Certificate, please see the steps below:

Step 1. Visit the nearest office of the PNP-HPG which is usually in close proximity to the nearest branch of the Land Transportation Office (LTO). 

Step 2. Head on to the Office of the Motor Vehicle Complaint Section and secure an Application Form for Lifting of Alarm from the MVCS /RHPU’s Duty Investigator. 

Step 3. Fill up Application Form for Lifting of Alarm MVCS /RHPU’s and have the duty investigator check the form.

Step 4. Secure a copy of the Notary of Lifting request form from the Duty Investigator.

Step 5. Have the Lifting request form notarized.

Step 6. After getting the Application form for Lifting of Alarm notarized, submit it, along with the other photocopies of the requirements to the duty investigator for review and evaluation of completeness.

Step 7. Upon approval, head on to the Duty PI Examiner of the PNP Crime Laboratory for the Macro-Etching Examination.

Step 8. Secure the order of payment from the Duty PI Examiner of the PNP Crime Laboratory.

Step 9. Settle the fees for the Macro-Etching examination at Landbank.

Step 10. Once paid, bring the motor vehicle in for the Macro-Etching examination and wait for the release of the Macro-Etching results.

Step 11. Submit the original requirements to the Duty Investigator and wait for the completeness evaluation of the documentary requirements. 

Step 12. Wait while the duty investigator prepares the Investigation Report (IR) or Memorandum (SOD-MVCS/RHPU’s) and get it approved by the Chief of MVCS. 

Step 13. Once approved, wait until the IR is signed by the signatories for endorsement of the lifting request to HPG MVCC and Director of HPG for approval. 

Step 14. Once signed, take the document to the Encoding window of the Vehicle Information Management System (VIMS) (MVCD) for the Duty MVCD Encoder to encode in the system.

Step 15. After encoding is done, wait for the lifting of Alarm certification to be issued by the Record Section of the DDO Office.

Processing time

The processing of the request for Lifting of Alarm Certificate will take approximately eighteen (18) days and twenty (20) minutes to complete, after the complete documentary requirements have been submitted.

Fees

It’s free, though you may have to spend some for the requirements like the notary fee, macro-etching, and photocopy and certification of certified true copies of required documents.

Where to file the Request

To file the request for cancellation or lifting of the alarm certificate, you will need to go to the PNP-HPG Office of the Motor Vehicle Complaint Section (MVCS). 

Downloadable Request Form

The forms for Request For Lifting Of Alarm or Watch List, along with other forms used when making requests involving the PNP-HPG and any of its departments, can be found via this link: http://hpg.pnp.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Request-for-Lifting-of-Alarm.pdf

Important Reminders

If you are among those who need the LTO to lift or cancel the alarm on a particular vehicle to secure a lifting of alarm certificate, then here are some things you’d want to remember:

  • An LTO Alarm on the text message indicates if a car is stolen or not. 

  • If the LTO text message says that the vehicle ‘has no alarm,’ then you have a strong indicator that the used car you are about to buy is completely legal.

  • LTO alarms may be caused by apprehended drivers or because the vehicle is a “hot car” that was previously carnapped.

  • Owners and/or buyers of used cars with LTO alarm tags may now renew and/or transfer their registration with the LTO after the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) requests that the Stradcom Corporation temporarily lift the tagging and alarm of the affected motor vehicles under the MMDA’s No Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP).

  • The license can be confiscated and revoked by the LTO if you are found to be a perennial violator.

  • LTO alarm tags can be applied to both vehicle and driver’s license. 

  • An alarm tag does not always mean a vehicle was carnapped, stolen, or involved in accidents and crimes.

Video: LTO Lifting of Alarm via the Traffic Adjudication Service (TAS)

To learn more about Lifting of LTO Alarm on a motor vehicle, you may check out this video from Kuyas TV:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

For more information, here are some common questions and answers regarding the processing of requests for Certificate of Lifting of Alarm: 

1. What is an LTO Alarm?

LTO alarms refer to alarm tags on vehicles. Having an alarm tag means that the motor vehicle has an active LTO record of existing or pending traffic violations or apprehensions. Having an alarm tag on your vehicle means the vehicle may also be previously involved in an accident or in the commission of a crime or it may be on the watch list of the Philippine National Police – Highway Patrol Group (PNP – HPG) for stolen or carnapped vehicles. It may also mean that the vehicle has an active complaint against it or an active case with either the Department of Health (DoH), the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB), or the Internal Investigation Division (IID). 

2. What is the Motor Vehicle and Concerns Section (MVCS)?

The Motor Vehicle and Concern Section (MVCS) is a department of the PNP-HPG created to serve as a One-Stop-Shop for providing frontline services concerning different problems arising from motor vehicle related crimes. It was designed to offer services to PNP-HPG clients, especially in cases which require intricate investigations, tactical and strategic interview, and thorough scrutiny of documents. The Motor Vehicle Concern Section does not only serve as the repository of records of carnapping cases nationwide but also serve as a first layer of safeguard in confronting carnapping incidents and handling and investigation of carnapping cases and other modes of losing possession of vehicle/s.

3. What is VIMS?

VIMS refers to Vehicle Information Management System (VIMS), a software used by the PNP-HPG to monitor the vehicles and various aspects of vehicle information entered in the LTO database. It is also a useful tool that helps the PNP-HPG and its MVCS to search and generate reports regarding vehicles in the database based on various parameters.

Summary

The Lifting of Alarm Certificate is an important document issued to the registered owner or his/her authorized representative or any applicant requesting for the lifting of alarm on a motor vehicle. It proves that a recovered motor vehicle can be released to the owner or party entitled to the possession of the subject MV upon submission of the required documents. It is issued after an application for the lifting of alarm is processed and approved by the Director, HPG, upon the endorsement of the HPG Motor Vehicle Clearing Committee.

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