MANILA – The House of Representatives on Tuesday approved on the third and final reading a measure to make electric vehicles more affordable and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
With 196 affirmative votes, 3 negative, and one abstention, the House passed on third reading House Bill (HB) 10960, which seeks to amend Republic Act (RA) 11697, or the “Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act,” to provide a zero percent tariff rate for the importation of fully built EV units for five years.
The bill specifies that an electric vehicle (EV) includes two-, three-, and four-wheeled vehicles, or any other vehicle equipped with at least one electric drive for propulsion.
Meanwhile, HB 11113, which rationalizes safety regulations and penalties under the Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act (RA 11235), was unanimously approved with 208 affirmative votes.
Iloilo City Rep. Julienne Baronda said the measure aims to address the safety issues raised by motorcycle riders in mandating the installation of bigger plates in front of motorcycles.
“Under HB 11113, we propose to remove the requirement for larger front motorcycle plates,” Baronda said.
The measure also proposes reduced penalties for certain violations.
For instance, the proposal removes the penalty of imprisonment and reduces the PHP50,000 to PHP100,000 fine to not more than PHP5,000 for driving a motorcycle without the required number plate.
The intentional use of tampered or fake number plates would incur a fine of no more than PHP20,000, replacing the current penalties of imprisonment or fines ranging from PHP50,000 to PHP100,000. (PNA)