A consumer advocacy group urges government regulators to harmonize existing policies on the importation of electric motorcycles and electric bicycles being sold in the gray market, saying that conflicting rules will slow down transition to environment-friendly transportation modes.
Lawyer and former congressman Christopher Belmonte, co-convenor of CitizenWatch Philippines, said the situation frustrates the objective of shifting to safer, more affordable, and more sustainable means of transportation.
“Clearly there is demand,” Belmonte said. “Our inadequate mass transportation system, the high cost of fuel, and the desire of an increasing number of Filipinos to do more for the environment are making them look at other options to get themselves from Point A to Point B.”
He added that electric motorcycles and bicycles have the added appeal of being easy to use.
“But it is not enough to simply respond to this demand by opening importation of EVs. We have to make sure that we do it the right way, the safe way,” Belmonte added.
“Ultimately, this should redound to the benefit of the riding public and empower them to be more efficient with their time and resources while also protecting their well-being.”
Republic Act 11697 or the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA), enacted by then President Rodrigo Duterte in April 2022, aims to “create an environment that promotes the development of e-vehicles, to promote innovation, and to secure the health of Filipinos against air pollution caused by vehicles.”
The law tasks various agencies – the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) – to craft a Comprehensive Roadmap for the Electric Vehicle Industry (CREV), and outlines fiscal and non-fiscal incentives for potential investors, importers, and e-vehicle users.