Three House panels approve bill on EV regulation

THREE House committees on Wednesday approved an unnumbered substitute bill regulating the use of electric vehicles (EV).

The House Committees on Energy, Transportation and Ecology have jointly approved the substitute bill on the use of EVS and their development as an industry.

Committee on Energy Vice Chairman

Jose Enrique Garcia III of Bataan, head of the technical working group (TWG), said the substitute bill is a consolidation of House Bills 444, 738, 1432, 2020, 4075, 4179, 4356, 4366, 4391, 4962, 6604, 7298, 7299, 7317 and 7607.

According to Garcia, the substitute measure aims to create a national policy and framework to encourage the uptake of EVS in the public and private sectors.

The bill seeks to mandate all gasoline stations, as well as public and private establishments reserve designated parking slots for EVS equipped with charging stations.

The bill also establishes an accreditation mechanism for all charging station service providers.

The measure aims to create green routes exclusive to electric public-utility vehicles and include domestic electric vehicles manufacturing in the investment priorities plan.

The bill also provides valueadded tax (VAT) exemption for the purchase of EVS.

Committee on Ecology Chairman and Zamboanga del Norte Rep. Glona Labadlabad said the consolidated bill is a sustainable development measure that seeks to balance environmental protection with economic and social development.

Meanwhile, Committee on Transportation Chairman and Samar Rep. Edgar Mary Sarmiento said he hopes that the substitute bill would be passed in the 18th Congress.