Northern Samar 1st district Rep. Paul Daza recently visited the Presidential Car Museum at the Quezon City Memorial Circle and shared what made the place special.
Daza, a senior deputy minority leader, said he wants to "encourage Filipinos especially the youth to honor history and the sacrifices of our heroes and former presidents".
“Seeing these presidential cars, carefully preserved, certainly makes me prouder of our former presidents and our rich heritage,” the solon noted.
But what's actually inside the museum? The museum hosts 12 presidential vehicles, all of which have been restored through the efforts of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP). Most of the cars look sparklingly ‘new’ while still proudly carrying their rich history.
The presidential cars date as far back from the regime of Emilio Aguinaldo up to the term of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, missing out on Sergio Osmeña’s car, which is in Cebu, and Carlos Garcia's car, which was not recovered.
Daza was accompanied by members of the Manila Sports Car Club (MSCC) including its founder, lawyer Andy Sta. Maria. Curently with 130 members, MSCC was established in 1967 and is the oldest car club in the country.
A key talking point during Daza's visit were the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) No.11698 or the Vintage Vehicle Regulation Act. The IRR will take effect this coming April.
“MSCC was formed to provide for the preservation and enjoyment of sports cars. Of course, our members are also excited about this landmark legislation. A part of my wish list? I would really like to encourage the restoration and preservation of vintage cars to the highest standards,” Sta. Maria said.
The law, which was enacted in April 2022, covers vehicles that are already 40 years from the date of their original manufacturing. RA No.11698 allows the importation, exportation, and registration of vintage vehicles. Registration with the Land Transportation Office will be valid for 3 years and owners can avail of special “Vintage Vehicle” plates.
Daza also envisioned the law to allow the Philippines to further develop its vintage car restoration industry.
“There are many talented car restorers in the Philippines that would benefit from the importation provisions in the Vintage Vehicle Law. Lessening their burdens to import vintage vehicles and parts will help them tap more international clients and expose the craftsmanship of the Filipino to the world," he said.