Bicol Saro Partylist Rep. Terry Ridon on Sunday questioned the Land Transportation Office (LTO) for ordering the impoundment of e-bikes and e-trikes using public roads beginning December 1, arguing that the agency’s policy is not supported by law.
Ridon said the LTO cannot rely on the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA), insisting that the IRR contradicts the statute.
He stressed that “the law provides a blanket exemption to light electric vehicles (LEVs) such as e-trikes and e-bikes from being registered with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and its attached agencies, like the LTO.”
He maintained that this exemption means the land transportation law, Republic Act No. 4136, does not apply to LEVs even when they travel on public roads. Ridon also argued that the IRR “effectively rewrites the wisdom of Congress” by adding conditions not found in the law.
He criticized LTO Chief Markus Lacanilao for allegedly misleading the public about the rules governing private-use LEVs.
“LEV exclusive private use does not mean LEV use only on private roads… LEV exclusive private use allows the use of both public and private roads and, under EVIDA, all major local and national roads,” he said, adding: “Wag niyo kaming pinagloloko.”
Ridon said he will file a resolution urging the DOTr to order the LTO to halt its impounding operations and to review the agencies’ enforcement authority, including that of the MMDA.