Group eyes ‘harmonized’ rules on e-bikes, e-motorcycles

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 environ-

Sen. Villar bats for ‘revolutionized’ waste disposal via circular economy

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

SENATOR Cynthia Villar, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Environment, urges the public to revolutionize waste management through what she called “circular economy.”

“Instead of the traditional “take, make, dispose” mode, a circular economy keeps resources in use for as long as possible through reuse, remanufacturing, and recycling,” Villar said during an event in observance of the Philippine Environment Month.

“The theme, “No to Waste: Advancing Circular Economy to Beat Plastic Pollution” highlights the path we must pursue to safeguard our environment,” the senator said. As a nation blessed with rich biodiversity and natural resources, Villar noted that it is crucial for the Filipinos to

TAX CHARGES.

Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) personnel unloaded boxes of documents to be presented as evidence in P18-billion tax cases to be filed by BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui at the Department of Justice against three corporations for alleged use of fake receipts. (See related story) champion sustainable practices. ment are making them look at other options to get themselves from Point A to Point B.”

The senator, a known environmentalist, said she was pleased the summit organized by the DENR-Environmental Management Bureau –NCR led by regional director Mike Matias emphasizes the concept of a circular economy.

Long before circular economy became popular, Villar disclosed that she has been embarking on it for years now.

“Its principles were already at the heart of my waste management practices. I have been diligently advocating and employing it for years’” she said.

Along with Villar SIPAG, Villar had established barangay-based livelihood enterprises.

These are models of proper waste management and excellent examples on turning wastes into useful end-products in pursuit of a circular economy.

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.” individuals who pose a threat to national security and public safety may be admitted into and housed in the country,” Sen. Marcos said. According to Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo, the DFA received a concept note from the US government on October 22, 2022, which indicated a “request” for the Philippine government to allow Afghans formally employed by the US government and their qualified dependents to temporarily stay in the Philippines to process their SIV applications with the US Embassy in Manila.

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.

In the concept note and in the informal talks that he had with US officials, Manalo said all Afghans would be traveling with valid passports. They would undergo rigorous security vetting and background checks if they had worked for the US government before arriving in the Philippines.