Electric vehicles exempted from number coding scheme

Dear PAO,
I am living far from my workplace and because of this, I am thinking of buying a car. I confided this problem to my parents who are also car enthusiasts and they advised me to get an electric vehicle. They told me that it will be a good choice since I can use it daily as it is not covered by the number coding scheme. Is there a law that exempts electric vehicles from the number coding scheme?
Bean

Dear Bean,
Please be informed of Section 25 of Republic Act 11697 or the “Electric Vehicle Industry Act,” which states that:

“Section 25. Non-Fiscal Incentives. – The following non-fiscal incentives shall remain in force for eight (8) years from the effectivity of this Act:
“(a) For EV users:

x x x
“(2) Exemption from the mandatory unified vehicular volume reduction program, number-coding scheme, or other similar schemes implemented by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, other similar agencies, and LGUs;”
Based on the above-stated law, electric vehicles (EV) are exempt from the number coding scheme. This would mean that EV owners can now use their vehicles for the whole week.
Aside from the exemption from the number coding scheme, the law provides other incentives to EV users as provided for under Chapter IV, Section 25 thereof, viz.:

“Section 25. Non-Fiscal Incentives. – The following non-fiscal incentives shall remain in force for eight (8) years from the effectivity of this Act:

“(a) For EV users:
“(1) Priority registration and renewal of registration, and issuance of a special type of vehicle plate by LTO;
“(2) Exemption from the mandatory unified vehicular volume reduction program, number-coding scheme, or other similar schemes implemented by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, other similar agencies, and LGUs;

“(3) Expeditious processing by the LTFRB of applications for franchise to operate, including its renewal, for PUV operators that are exclusively utilizing EVs; and
“(4) Availment of TESDA Training Programs on EV assembly, use, maintenance, and repair for its employees;
“(b) For EV Manufacturers and importers, the expeditious processing by the Bureau of Customs on the importation of parts and components for the manufacture and assembly of EVs; and

“(c) For EV manufacturers, the government shall allow expert foreign nationals to be employed under a form of technology transfer agreement, subject to the guidelines that shall be issued by the DOLE, the Professional Regulatory Commission, and the DTI.”
As can be seen above, the law was implemented to encourage and attract manufacturers, importers, and users to actively take part in the promotion, production, and usage of EVs in the country; possible entitlement to tax incentives and non-fiscal incentives shall be granted to those qualified.
We hope that we were able to answer your queries. This advice is based solely on the facts you have narrated and our appreciation of the same. Our opinion may vary when other facts are changed or elaborated on.

Editor’s note: Dear PAO is a daily column of the Public Attorney’s Office. Questions for Chief Acosta may be sent to [email protected]