PBBM SUSPENDS BAN AGAINST E-VEHICLES IN METRO MANILA

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday directed the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the local government  units (LGUs) in the metropolis to temporarily suspend the implementation of its regulation banning the use of electric vehicles from passing through major thoroughfares.

The President emphasized the need to provide one more month for the MMDA to re-examine its Regulation No. 24-022 series of 2024. He said that the issuance of traffic violation ticket, the imposition of fine and the impoundment of e-vehicles are also suspended.

“Ngayong araw na ito, iniutos ko sa MMDA at sa lahat ng lokal na pamahalaan sa Metro Manila na bigyan ng palugit ang mga e-bikes, e-trikes at iba pang apektadong sasakyan na dumadaan sa ilang tukoy na daan sa Metro Manila,” President Marcos said, referring to MMDA Regulation No. 24-022 series of 2024.

“Kung paparahin man sila, ito ay upang maayos na maituro ang mga kalsadang maaari nilang gamitin, pati na ang pagpapaalala ng mga bagong patakaran na ipinatutupad upang paigtingin ang kaligtasan at kaayusan sa mga lansangan,” he added.

Under the MMDA regulation, e-vehicles such as e-bikes and e-trikes are prohibited from traversing national and circumferential roads in Metro Manila along with tricycles, pedicabs, pushcarts, and the so-called kuliglig to promote road safety.

It carries a fine of P2,500, according to the MMDA.

In a short video message, President Marcos stressed that he understands the sentiments of the drivers and motorists affected by the implementation of MMDA’s regulation. He said that the P2,500 fine is too hefty.

“Dahil nakita ko naman na ‘yung pag enforce na napaka-strikto dun sa mga electric vehicles sa national road ay napapanood ko sila sa news, nakakaawa naman talaga at dapat bigyan naman natin sila ng pagkakataon para alam nila kung ano ba ‘yung bagong rules, papaano sila mag adjust,” President Marcos said.

“At saka P2,500 ang laking multa niyan, napakabigat niyan para sa kanila, so, bigyan natin sila ng isang buwan para alam nila kung ano ba ‘yung dapat nilang gawin,” the chief executive added.

The President also stressed the need to provide MMDA and the LGUs enough time to gather information on implementing the regulation.