Environment-friendly transportation

MANILA, Philippines - This is to respectfully offer some clarification on Senate Bill No. 2834 filed by Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago. First, the bill does not seek to outlaw vehicles manufactured from 2008 and earlier. Rather, it encourages owners of old vehicles with fuel-inefficient engines to be earth-friendly motorists and give them incentives for converting.

Second, the details described in the bill, like the prescribed fuel efficiency rates of automobile engines, will still be subject to changes as they go through the legislative process of public hearings, technical working groups, and plenary debates. What will remain intact is the spirit of the bill to implement the Constitutional mandate of promoting a balanced and healthful ecology.

Third, it is true that the passage of this bill into law will radically impact the transport sector and automotive industry because S.B. No. 2834 aims to guide these groups into a more environment-friendly track. However, it is not the intent of the bill to provide more taxing measures to those who own old vehicles. It gives incentives to the public to opt for green technology.

We thank you for your feedback. It is very important for the public to participate in the legislative process. Our office welcomes any proposal from concerned parties that will push forward the promotion of environment-friendly transportation, while taking into account the economic situation of the country.

(Atty. Jeanie Bacong, Public Affairs and Media Relations Officer, Office of Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago)