By Junex Doronio

MANILA — The House of Representatives (HRep), under the leadership of Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, has approved on second reading House Bill (HB) 10960, a measure aimed at promoting sustainable transportation and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

HB 10960, titled “An Act Providing for the Tax and Duty Treatment of Electric Vehicles, Amending for the Purpose Republic Act 11697, Otherwise Known as the ‘Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act,’” was principally authored by House Ways and Means chairperson Rep. Joey Salceda, with Representatives Margarita Nograles-Almario and Midy Cua as co-authors.

The bill defines electric vehicles (EVs) as including two, three, and four-wheeled vehicles or any vehicle equipped with at least one electric drive for propulsion. It also mandates that the importation of completely built EV units will be subject to a zero-percent tariff rate for five years from the bill’s enactment into law.

In addition, the House approved on second reading HB 11072, which seeks to expand the franchise area of Davao Light and Power Company Inc. to cover Davao City, Panabo City, Tagum City, the Island Garden City of Samal, and several municipalities in Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro.

To ensure a smooth transition, the Northern Davao Electric Cooperative (NORDECO) is temporarily authorized to operate the existing distribution system within the expanded franchise area and implement its power supply agreements until Davao Light and Power Company establishes or acquires its own distribution system and assumes full operational control.

ACT Teachers

Meanwhile, ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro delivered a privilege speech highlighting the challenges faced by persons with disabilities (PWDs), particularly in schools.

She lamented the lack of facilities, such as books in braille, to address the needs of PWDs, despite the passage of Republic Act 7277 (Magna Carta for PWDs) and the Philippines’ commitment to the UN Convention on the Rights of PWDs.

Deputy Speaker Kristine Singson-Meehan presided over the plenary proceedings on Tuesday, December 3, 2024.

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