Did you know that Metro Manila holds a record of about 10 bus accidents per day? Maybe not all of them are fatal, but let’s face it, large hauler trucks and public utility buses (PUB) running way past the speed limit (overspeeding) can kill and you probably won’t be happy to hear when the driver involved unanimously blame faulty brake system, especially if you are the one on the receiving end of the fatal accident.
It may not seem well known to many, but there is already an existing law on mandatory installation of speed limiters, which control the speed and make strange, irritating noise upon reaching maximum speed limit, on trucks and buses in the Philippines—the Republic Act (RA) No. 10916, also known as the Road Speed Limiter Act of 2016.
Republic Act (RA) No. 10916 is also known as the Road Speed Limiter Act of 2016. It is an act that mandates the installation of a specific type of speed limiter on both public utility vehicles and other type of covered motor vehicle like closed van, hauler or cargo trailer, PUV, shuttle service, tanker truck, and such other vehicles as determined and defined by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) for purposes of implementing RA No. 10916.
The Road Speed Limiter Act also introduced the use of speed limiters in public transport vehicles in an effort to promote and maintain at all times the safety and protection of the riding public. By installing this device, it is possible to electronically control the top speed of a vehicle, either to comply with government legislation or to the vehicle owner’s requirements, without affecting any other aspect of the vehicle’s operation, resulting in better handling and lesser road crashes and accidents.
Provisions of RA 10916
The Road Speed Limiter Act of 2016 also includes specific provisions regarding speed limiter devices to limit the top speed of a vehicle using a mechanical or electronic or a mecha-tronic combination communication system.
These provisions include:
Mandatory Installation of Speed Limiter
According to the provisions of RA 10916, no covered vehicle shall be allowed to run in any road, street or highway in the Philippines without a standard speed limiter designed in accordance with the standards and specifications approved by the DOTr.
The DOTr is expected to determine the specifications of the speed limiters that may be allowed to be installed in the covered vehicles , in accordance with acceptable international standards. The LTO or the LTFRB will then supervise and inspect the setting of speed limiter corresponding to the maximum allowed in the route plied by the covered vehicle.
Accreditation
According to the provisions of the law, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is the primary agency in charge of accrediting persons, establishments or institutions involved in producing, manufacturing, or distributing speed limiters in the specifications and standards set by the DOTr. For this purpose, the DTI will issue necessary certifications to attest to the compliance with such specifications and standards as a prerequisite for registration.
Implementing Agencies, Rules, and Regulations
The implementation of this law will be overseen and managed by the following agencies:
DOTr
LTO
LTFRB
DTI
Department of Science and Technology (DOST)
Fines and Penalties
Like any other law, the violation of Road Speed Limiter Act of 2016 (RA 10916) will entail fines and penalties as described below:
The driver who operates or the owner or operator who allows such driver to operate a motor vehicle without the required speed limiter will be fined in the amount of fifty thousand pesos (₱50,000.00).
The same fine amounting to fifty thousand pesos (₱50,000.00) will also be imposed upon the driver, owner, or operator who operates or allows a person to operate a motor vehicle with a nonfunctioning or tampered speed limiter.
In addition to the fines, a suspension of the driver’s license for a period of one (1) month or franchise of a motor vehicle for a period of three (3) months, will be imposed upon the offender who commits the above-mentioned violations for the first time.
For the commission of any of the prohibited acts as described by the law for the second time, the driver’s license of the offender shall be suspended for a period of three (3) months or the franchise of a motor vehicle shall be suspended for a period of six (6) months in addition to the fines imposed.
For the subsequent commission of any violation of RA 10916, the driver’s license of the offender shall be revoked or the franchise of a motor vehicle shall be suspended for a period of one (1) year in addition to the fines imposed.
Any person who is found guilty of tampering with the speed limiter will be slapped with a penalty of imprisonment of not less than six (6) months but not more than three (3) years and a fine of thirty thousand pesos (₱30,000.00).
Note: The LTO fines and penalties described herein shall be applied without prejudice to criminal prosecution or civil action under existing applicable laws.
Video: Understanding the Road Speed Limiter Act of 2016 (RA 10916)
To understand the Road Speed Limiter Act of 2016 (RA 10916) better, you may check out this explainer video from Pulis ng Panginoon:
Summary
The mandatory use of speed limiter by virtue of the Road Speed Limiter Act of 2016 (RA 10916) is something that has been around for many years. Unfortunately, it seems like it isn’t something that a lot of people know about. Considering the number of fatal road accidents involving these vehicles in the country, one may be left wondering what the relevant authorities are doing, too. After all, the Road Speed Limiter Act is supposed to work as a proactive and preventive measure to regulate the speed of large covered vehicles and public utility vehicles and reduce the incidence of fatal accidents on the local roads.
As the Land Transportation Office (LTO) starts issuing a 10-year driver’s license, they also added a five-hour mandatory refresher course, the Comprehensive Driver’s Education (CDE) culminating in a 25-item Comprehensive Driver’s Education (CDE) online validation exam, and the issuance of the Comprehensive Driver’s Education (CDE) certificate.
The CDE validation exam and CDE certificate are part of the requirements of the LTO for those who are looking to renew their license. Though some lawmakers have called for the abolition of the exam, the exam has yet to be removed, so it will be useful to avoid many driving situations by taking the CDE—in person at the LTO Driver’s Education Center (LTO DEC) in select LTO offices or online through the LTMS portal.
This guide will tell you more about the Comprehensive Driver’s Education (CDE), the CDE online validation exam, and everything else that comes with it—be it registration, coverage, and tips, that will help you ace the exam.
CDE stands for Comprehensive Driver’s Education, a five (5) hour mandatory refresher course for drivers and motorcycle riders mandated by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) from anyone who wishes to renew their driver’s license in the Philippines. It was designed in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act (RA) 10930 in order to ensure that only qualified driver’s license applicants with adequate driving skills, knowledge of road safety, and proper road etiquette have their licenses renewed into one with ten-year validity.
It may be taken in person at any LTO-accredited driving schools, at the LTO Driver’s Education Center (LTO DEC) in select LTO offices, or online via the LTMS portal.
The refresher course culminates with a 25-item multiple-choice exam known as the CDE online validation exam. Though there is no time limit, the test-takers are expected to get at least fifty (50) percent or thirteen (13) correct answers to pass. Nevertheless, the exam is free (when taken via the LTMS portal and LTO DEC) and can be retaken immediately, so there is, quite literally, no harm in trying again if you fail.
The CDE 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, including:
Traffic and administrative rules
policies and regulations
fines, penalties, and demerit system
Special laws on driving, such as:
Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act (RA 10586)
Seatbelt Law (RA 8750)
Anti-Distraction Driving Law (RA 10913)
Child Safety in Motor Vehicle Act (RA 11229)
The CDE culminates at the issuance of a CDE certificate, a free, no-expiry certificate that proves that one has completed the refresher course and has successfully passed the CDE validation exam. It also proves that he or she has acquired the necessary knowledge and skills that a driver needs to operate a motor vehicle safely and responsibly along Philippine roads.
Benefits
Completing the CDE and getting a CDE certificate offers drivers the following benefits:
A chance to fulfill the requirements for LTO driver’s license renewal
A free lifetime CDE Certificate of Completion that does not expire
A self-paced refresher course on the basics of driving, road safety, and associated laws
A self-paced exam that can be taken and retaken as many times as possible at your own convenience.
A certificate that proves that you are well-equipped to be a driver
Proves that you deserve the new LTO driver’s license with 10-year validity
Qualifications
While anyone can take the CDE Online Validation Exam provided that they are willing to pay (if taking at an LTO-accredited driving school) or has an active LTMS portal account (for free), the following people may benefit the most from taking the CDE and getting a CDE certificate:
Motorcycle riders who are Philippine driver’s license holders
Filipino drivers who are renewing their driver’s license in the Philippines regardless of the number of demerit points accumulated
Foreign nationals in the Philippines who are renewing their driver’s license regardless of the number of demerit points accumulated
New car owners who wish to secure an LTO driver’s license in the Philippines
Anyone who wishes to learn more about driving, driving conditions, road safety measures, and relevant Philippine laws
Requirements
If you wish to take the CDE Online Validation Exam, you simply need:
An LTMS Portal online account
An electronic or computing device, whether a desktop, laptop, smartphone, or tablet
A stable Internet connection
If you do not have an LTMS account yet, you will also need the following:
A valid and active email address
An active mobile number
Information
For those who already have a license, but no LTMS account
Driver’s/conductor’s license number
Expiry date
Official receipt number (or mother’s maiden name if you no longer have your receipt)
Full name
Birthday
Gender
Mother’s maiden name
emergency contact
medical information
Complete address
For alien residents
Alien certificate of registration number (ACR)
ACR expiry date,
Nationality
How to Take the CDE Online Validation Exam
The CDE seminar is quite long with a lot of materials to study to prepare for the CDE Online Validation Exam. Though taking the test is a simple process in itself, the test isn’t easy to prepare for since there are only 25 questions. The good news is: It simply requires 50% or thirteen (13) correct answers to pass. This passing score applies to both professional and non-professional license holders.
The CDE exam is to be taken online via the LTO’s LTMS portal. With that, here’s a simple walkthrough of the CDE online validation exam, if you are taking it via the LTMS portal:
Step 3: On the dropdown menu, click CDE Online Validation Exam.
Step 4: If you have an LTMS portal account, click Log In. Otherwise, click Register.
Step 5: Click Start Exam when you are ready to start.
Step 6: Choose whether you want to take the exam in English or in Filipino. You will then be redirected to the first of the 25-item multiple choice exam.
At the end of the exam, you’ll immediately get your result. If you pass the exam, a prompt will tell you that you can print your CDE certificate right away. Nevertheless, a copy of the CDE certificate will also be sent to you via email through your registered email address.
For Those Who Don’t Have LTMS Accounts, You Need to Register
On the other hand, if you don’t have an LTMS account yet, you may follow this guide on how to register for an LTMS account online.
Step 1: Visit the Land Transport Management System (LTMS) portal homepage at https://portal.lto.gov.ph.
Step 2: Click “Register now.”
Step 3: Read the Terms of Agreement, and click the check box that says “Yes, I Accept.”
Step 4: Enter the security code.
Step 5: Click “Next.”
Step 6: Choose the type of registrant that you are.
For individual registrants: Select “Enroll as an individual” when asked for the type of registration.
For organizations and companies: Select “Enroll as an organization” when asked for the type of registration.
Step 7; Select “Yes” or “No” depending on whether or not you already have a Philippine driver’s/conductor’s license.
For those who already have a license:
Provide the following information to complete the registration process:
Driver’s/conductor’s license number
Expiry date
Official receipt number (or mother’s maiden name if you no longer have your receipt)
Confirm your nationality (Filipino or otherwise), then, click “Next.”
For first-time Filipino applicants: Provide the following information:
Name
Birthdate
Mother’s Maiden Name
For alien residents: provide the following details:
Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) number
Expiry date
Nationality
Click “Next.”
Enter your contact information (email address and mobile number) and submit.
For non-license holders: Click “No”
Confirm your nationality (Filipino or otherwise), then, click “Next.”
For first-time Filipino applicants: Provide the following information:
Name
Birthdate
Mother’s Maiden Name
For alien residents: provide the following details:
Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) number
Expiry date
Nationality
Click “Next.”
Enter your contact information (email address and mobile number) and submit.
Step 8: Visit your inbox for the verification link.
Step 9: Click the verification link and complete the following required information:
Emergency contact
Medical information
General information
Address
Step 10: Once done, the portal will assign a 15-digit number that will serve as your username, so you may access your LTMS account.
Important Reminders
According to the Land Transportation Office (LTO), drivers who are set to renew their driver’s licenses (DL) may now take the Comprehensive Driver’s Education (CDE) 60 days before their renewal date, or even earlier.
All CDE review materials can be obtained through any of the LTO offices and the LTO-accredited driving schools.
You need to ensure that you used a valid and actively working email address on your LTMS account as your CDE certificate, among other things, will be sent there.
The CDE has no “trick questions,” so make sure you read all the test questions carefully.
Don’t overthink when answering the CDE validation exam as all of the test questions are taken from the CDE course directly.
The CDE Certificate of Completion has no expiration, as mandated by the LTO Memorandum dated October 14, 2021.
It’s best if you can print out a copy of the CDE certificate before going to LTO, as there are offices/branches with no printing facilities.
The CDE is free if taken through any of the LTO’s Driver Education Centers (LTO DEC) or through the LTMS portal.
You can also check with the LTO branch where you are renewing your DL to see if you can take the exam there at no cost.
The CDE is not free if taken through any of the LTO-accredited driving schools.
The best option of taking the CDE is through the LTMS, LTO’s very own online portal for driver’s license holders.
The LTMS offers an e-Learning portal which gives duly-licensed motorists access to information on licensing, driving fundamentals, road courtesy and safety, motor vehicle registration, land transportation-related laws, and more, including an introduction to the theoretical exams for non-professional drivers, professional drivers, and conductors.
The LTMS portal can be accessed anytime, anywhere, 24/7, on any device.
Video: CDE Online Validation Exam and Everything Else You Need to Renew Your Driver’s License
If you need a visual walkthrough to help you understand what the CDE online validation exam is and what it is for, and you wish to know all the other requirements to renew into a driver’s license with a 10-year validity period, you may check this Youtube video from PH Assistance YouTube Channel and Pinoy Car Guy:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
There are a lot of things that can happen when you take your CDE online validation exam, but if you have some questions about these things, you may check this list of common questions and answers in this section.
1. I’ve passed the CDE online validation exam for renewal. What should I do next?
If you are in the process of renewing your driver’s license, then, you simply need to print your CDE certificate then bring this certificate when you actually go to renew your driver’s license. Otherwise, even if you visit your preferred LTO branch for your DL renewal, you’ll still be required to take the online validation exam and show the result to the person in charge. To avoid wasting your time and to speed up the driver’s license renewal process, take the exam before visiting the LTO branch.
2. I failed the CDE online validation exam. What should I do?
There’s nothing to worry about in case you fail the VDE validation exam. You can simply retake the exam for as many times as it takes until you pass.
If you are worried about the status of your existing license while you are preparing for the CDE Online Validation Exam, the LTO says that its validity will not be affected regardless of how many times you retake the CDE exam.
3. Am I required to take the CDE validation exam if I convert my foreign driver’s license into a Philippine license?
Yes. If you have a valid foreign driver’s license, and you wish to convert it into a Philippine driver’s license, then you need to take the CDE online validation exam. If your foreign driver’s license is expired, you will also need to take the written and practical exams.
4. I want to change my maiden name to my married name on my driver’s license. Do I still need to secure a CDE certificate?
Yes. If you want to have a valid ID with your married name instead of your maiden name, you will need to process a request for a new driver’s license. As such, you will be required to present your CDE completion certificate along with the original copy of your marriage certificate issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and your old driver’s license. You will also need to visit the LTO branch since you’ll have to update not just your name but also your biometrics.
5. Can I take the CDE validation exam online?
Yes. As the only mandatory LTO exam you can take online is the CDE exam, it is accessible on the LTMS portal and available in English or Filipino. The reviewer are free as well, and can be watched on-demand. These resources can also be used by those who are taking theoretical driving course (TDC) as a reviewer when they start applying for a license.
6. Do I need to have an LTMS account to access the e-Learning tab and LTO learning resources?
No. The e-Learning tab and all the LTO learning resources are accessible via the LTMS portal, with or without an LTMS portal online account.
7. How can I verify my mobile number?
To verify your mobile number on your LTMS portal account requires, you may simply follow these steps:
Step 1: Log into your LTO online account via the LTMS portal.
Step 2: Click Profile.
Step 3: Under the Contact tab, click the Verify New Mobile Number.
Step 4: Enter the code sent to your mobile number.
Step 5: Click Verify.
8. I forgot my LTMS online account password. How do I reset it?
If you forgot or lost your LTMS account password, you may reset it by following these steps:
Step 1: Click the “Forgot Password” link on the login page.
Step 2: Key in your nominated email address or LTO client number.
Step 3: Click “OK.” You should receive an email containing a link allowing you to set a new password for your account.
Summary
That’s it! That’s everything you need to know about CDE and the CDE online validation exam. These are all part of LTO’s initiatives to help keep the Philippine roads safe by ensuring that only the most qualified and responsible motorists are allowed to hit the roads.
We hope that this guide has been helpful, and we wish you all the best as you prepare for your CDE online validation examination. Remember, there’s literally no harm in trying here as you can always retake the exam until you pass. When that happens, at least, you won’t be starting with zero knowledge.
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.
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.
