Automakers back Biofuels Bill, but set conditions

The Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI) has expressed support for the government’s alternative fuels program.

CAMPI, the leading automotive industry association composed of motor vehicle manufacturers and distributors in the Philippines, however cautioned the government in mandating the blending of biofuels in all pumps since not all engines are compatible with these fuels such as carbureted engines. In such a case, conventional fuel should still remain available to supply the fuel requirement of these non-compatible engines, it said.

In terms of technical and quality compliance, the motor vehicle manufacturers and distributors also stressed that the specifications of biofuels must be in accordance with the World-Wide Fuel Charter (WWFC) which was developed by global engine and vehicle manufacturers.

Under the current charter, the recommended maximum blend of ethanol in gasoline is 10 percent and 5 percent for biodiesel.

Elizabeth Lee, CAMPI president, also pointed out that the blended fuels must be pre-blended by the petroleum company to ensure fuel quality compliance. As an added safeguard, she stated that the government must set standards for blending, handling, distribution and quality monitoring.

On the pending biofuel bills in Congress, CAMPI is urging the legislators to allow the proposed Philippine Biofuels Board or any agency that will be mandated to implement the program to decide the time frame for the implementation of the various percentage blends after conducting a study on its viability taking into account the capacity to supply such biofuels.

The automotive industry reiterated that consistent with the existing policy on warranty of motor vehicles, any problem that may be caused or proven to be attributable to the use of fuel or additives not recommended or approved by the manufacturer, after conducting an appropriate test and investigation, shall cause the warranty of such vehicle to be considered null and void. Covered within this purview include problems directly affecting the following systems or components of the motor vehicle: fuel tank and fuel lines; engine fuel pump and injector; combustion chambers; exhaust systems; and other related functional components.

CAMPI assured that most of the current models of its members are compatible with biofuels as specified under the WWFC. However, it has recommended that car owners must confirm with the manufacturer concerned regarding the actual compatibility of their vehicle with certain percentage biofuel blend particularly the coco methyl ester (CME) blend (if above one percent blend).

In view of government’s objective to lessen dependence on imported fossil fuel, CAMPI stated that there must be sufficient local capacity to supply the projected demand for biofuels. The industry noted that substantial investments are needed to install the capacity to locally produce ethanol and it will take sometime before it can cope up with the projected demand.

In such a case, CAMPI is recommending to government to consider these factors in setting the timeframe for the implementation of the program.