Additionally, the purchase and importation of raw materials, spare parts, components, and capital equipment to be used in the manufacture or assembly of said vehicles are exempted from Value Added Tax for the same period of time.
There are also benefits for motorists and transport companies who choose to adopt the use of said vehicle, such as:
- Exemption of payment of Motor Vehicle Usage Charge (MVUC).
- Priority in registration and issuance of plate number.
- Provision for free parking spaces in new establishments.
- Priority in franchise application for public utility operators who will exclusively be using electric, hybrid, and other alternative fuel vehicles including renewal for a period of nine years.
- Exemption from the Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP) or Number Coding scheme implemented by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and other local government units concerned.
With such strong incentives, the government signals that it is truly serious about cleaning up the air, encouraging the development of clean air technology, and improving the lives of its citizens.
Personally, as a motorist, I welcome the incentives granted to future and prospective owners of alternative fuel vehicles. Exemption alone from the UVVRP is strong incentive enough. It gives owners of said vehicles renewed mobility by allowing the full use of the vehicles at all times. However, how it will impact the ever worsening traffic situation in Metro Manila is also a concern. One hopes that the implementation of the law will also be accompanied by improved services of the Land Transport Organization by strict licensure and renewal procedures, apart from true proper traffic law enforcement, as well as proper adherence and cooperation of all road users which include commuters, pedestrians, and motorist.
The road to the future finally gets a spark of hope, and it's up to everyone to make it that much brighter.
