PNP-HPG clarifies EV certification policy to curb fake green plates

The PNP-HPG has clarified its policy on electric vehicle (EV) certification, stating that the requirement for DOE certification is specifically for those illegally using green plates to bypass the number coding scheme.

HPG Acting Director Police Colonel Hansel Marantan apologized for any confusion caused by his earlier remarks and emphasized that legitimate EV owners properly recognized by the DOE need not worry about this clarification.

The clarification addresses reports of vehicle owners falsely claiming their cars are electric or hybrid to illegally avail themselves of the number coding exemption provided by the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA).

Marantan warned that owners of electric and hybrid vehicles with fake green plates will be apprehended.

He noted that the number of motorists using counterfeit green plates to be exempt from the number coding scheme could become alarming if authorities do not intervene.

Legitimate green plate holders must secure a certification from the Department of Energy (DOE) for their vehicles.

Under RA 11697, electric and hybrid cars are exempted from number coding for eight years, or until April 2030.

Marantan has conferred with DOE spokesman Felix Wiliam Fuentebella and Land Transportation Office executive director Greg Pua Jr. about his earlier pronouncement.