Gatchalian files bill for EV charging stations, parking slots

Car electrification in the local scene is starting to take small steps and might be more tempting and in reach for Filipinos very soon. To push for this progress in mobility, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian filed a new bill in the Senate that proposes to make a national energy policy and regulatory framework for the use of both electric and hybrid vehicles.

The Senate Bill 2137, also known as the “Electric Vehicles and Charging Stations Act”, aims to address the high cost of EVs, as well as limited charging infrastructure. The bill also orders the Department of Energy (DOE) to come up with an e-vehicle roadmap to boost the progress of electrification of transportation

Under this proposed law, private and public buildings and establishments are required to allocate designated charging stations and parking slots exclusive for electric vehicles. Gasoline stations, on the other hand, are required to have dedicated spaces for charging stations. Failure to do so, the DOE won’t issue a certificate of compliance unless the owner submits a sworn affidavit that there’s a space for the EV chargers within its establishment.

Additionally, this Senate bill also pushes the granting of incentives for the use of EVs such as exemptions from the number-coding scheme, payment of the motor vehicle user’s tax, as well as prioritization in registration and renewal, and issuance of an approval of franchise applications.

With this proposal, Gatchalian intends to lessen the country’s dependence on imported fuel, which then affects the commuting public whenever there’s an increase in international oil prices. Gatchalian also added that with the utilization of EVs, it will not only clean the environment but it’s also cost-effective to own one.