Lawyers for Commuters Safety and Protection (LCSP) has raised concerns over the Department of Energy’s (DOE) decision to exclude mild hybrid vehicles from the number coding exemption provided under the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA Law or Republic Act 11697).

In an interview during Dos Por Dos on Wednesday, LCSP founder Atty. Ariel Inton explained that the law grants non-fiscal incentives, including exemption from the Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program or number coding scheme, to electric and hybrid vehicle owners until April 15, 2030.

According to the DOE’s implementing rules, only battery electric vehicles (BEVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are covered by the exemption. Mild hybrids, which cannot run on electric power alone and only assist the internal combustion engine, were excluded.

“Battery electric vehicles, hybrid electric, and plug-in hybrid vehicles can propel themselves using electric power independently. In contrast, mild hybrids merely assist the internal combustion engine and cannot run on electric power alone,” Inton explained.

"How can we motivate ang ating mga car users na mag-ship nga to environment-friendly vehicle kung at the middle of the game, babaguhin mo yung patakaran?," Inton added as electric vehicles becomes an alternative option to reduce carbon footprint.

Despite this, Inton emphasized that the MMDA has the discretion to expand exemptions should it decide to include mild hybrids.

“I don’t see any problem if MMDA exempts mild hybrids. Their role in granting exemptions from coding is not anchored solely on EVIDA. In fact, aside from electric vehicles, several other vehicles like TNVS and public utility vehicles are already exempted from coding for other reasons,” he said.

According to Inton, allowing mild hybrids to enjoy the same privilege would not constitute a violation of the law, as the DOE classification still leaves room for MMDA’s independent action.