SAFETY AMONG REGULATORY REASONS
The ban was implemented following an information and awareness campaign.
MMDA Chairman Don Artes said at a press conference Monday that violators would only be given verbal warnings during the first two days of enforcement. Tickets will be issued from Wednesday onwards.
Some transport groups have previously urged authorities to reconsider the ban, which they say harms poor communities.
Proponents of the policy also called on the government to prioritize greener options and offer tax incentives to owners of light electric vehicles, as urban heat in the Philippines increases.
The Philippines, through the Electric Vehicle Industry Law passed on April 15, 2022, has committed to “providing an enabling environment for the development of electric vehicles including options for micro-mobility.” One of its goals is to guarantee the country’s energy supply security by reducing import dependence fuel in the transportation sector.
Artes said that the main consideration in passing the resolution was ensuring the safety of all drivers, and not just e-vehicle users.
“Due to the rise of electronic vehicles, the MMC deems it necessary to regulate and impose sanctions on those who cross national roads using this means of transportation,” he stressed.
“We do not completely prohibit the use of electronic vehicles. We just want to regulate it, because this has become a common cause of traffic and road accidents.”
Last year, the MMDA recorded 554 incidents of road accidents related to e-vehicles.
However, advocates point to a lack of disaggregated data on road accidents, and question whether e-vehicles are at fault in such incidents.
“They also failed to explain that the majority of road accidents in Metro Manila are caused by motor vehicles,” Layong said.
“Only about 2 percent of road accidents (involve light e-vehicles).”
HINDING THE PHILIPPINE EV INDUSTRY
Relatively larger public-purpose electronic vehicles called electric tricycles (e-trikes) are also prohibited from using main roads under the new regulations.
This e-tricycle can carry up to 10 passengers, and serves as a more environmentally friendly transportation option for commuters in Manila.
Transportation stakeholders argue that the new regulations could hinder the development of the electric vehicle industry in the Philippines.
E-trike drivers told CNA that these restrictions might affect their livelihoods.
E-trike driver Mario Pialago said: “Our profits will suffer, especially from the student passengers we pick up along Manila’s main roads.”
Another E-trike driver, Mel Cañete, said: “E-trikes are more comfortable for passengers, compared to ordinary three-wheeled motorized vehicles. Tricycles are safe, with strong brakes.”
Officials said drivers who violate the ban will face a fine of 2,500 pesos (US$44).
Drivers of light electronic vehicles are also required to carry a permit. Those who cannot produce their driver’s license after being arrested will have their vehicles confiscated.
Exceptions are made for certain situations such as when crossing identified roads to get to the other side and using designated cycle lanes. However, not all main roads have special bicycle lanes.
