Owners of hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles were in uproar earlier this week when the head of the Philippine National Police – Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG), Acting HPG Director, Police Colonel Hansel M. Marantan told reporters that owners of hybrid vehicles must “first secure certification from the DOE before being exempted from number coding.”

“We will inspect motor vehicles sporting green plates because these must have certification from the DOE before being exempted from the number coding scheme," Marantan told reporters.

This drew mixed reactions from owners, some of whom interpreted the statement to mean owners must secure certification for their vehicle individually. This is because, as part of Republic Act No. 11697, the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA), certain EV and hybrid vehicle are models eligible for exemption from Metro Manila’s number-coding scheme, are listed on the department’s website. The qualified vehicles receive a green plate denoting their eligibility for the classification and exemption from number coding.

Many buyers were under the assumption that the authorized Philippine distributor of the vehicle has already undergone the necessary certification from the Department of Energy (DOE) regarding their vehicle’s validity. After all, the vehicles are issued the coveted green plates shortly after purchase, with no interaction required between the buyer and DOE.

The timing is not in its favor either, as recently, the owner of a hybrid vehicle posted his MMDA NCAP violation letter citing him for a number-coding violation, despite the photo prominently showing the vehicle’s green plate. The vehicle, a Nissan Kicks e-Power, is also certified as an electrified vehicle by the DOE and is therefore eligible for number-coding exemption.

To quell the confusion, the PNP-HPG has issued a statement today, clarifying its acting director’s statement regarding the certification of hybrid vehicle models.

“The PNP-HPG fully supports the implementation of the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA) or (Republic Act No. 11697), and recognizes the coordination between the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in identifying vehicles entitled to green plates and their corresponding privileges, including exemption from the number coding scheme.

“The earlier statement of the Acting Director was intended to emphasize the Group’s commitment to ensuring that only legitimately recognized electric and hybrid vehicles enjoy the benefits provided by law. It was not meant to imply that owners are required to personally obtain certification from the Department of Energy.

“Police Colonel Hansel M. Marantan stressed that the PNP-HPG cannot ignore complaints and reports involving vehicles allegedly using unauthorized or counterfeit green plates. He explained that under the law, the DOE is the sole authority that maintains the official list of legitimate hybrid and electric vehicles qualified to use green plates.

“He further emphasized that if a vehicle displaying green plates is not found on the DOE’s official list, it becomes the duty of the PNP-HPG to inspect the vehicle’s documents and coordinate with the LTO to verify its authenticity and correct the registration, if necessary.

“He clarified that the PNP-HPG will not conduct apprehensions or inspections without proper grounds or evidence. Instead, the Group will continue to perform its duty responsibly to guarantee that the use of license plates on public roads remains accurate, legal, and just.

In essence, there is no need for vehicles listed in the DOE’s website of recognized EVs and hybrids to acquire certification that they are indeed vehicles qualified to receive the benefits under the EVIDA Law. These vehicles are already certified. However, if the PNP-HPG discovers any vehicles bearing these green license plates that are not on the list, they will be investigated.

As such, this should serve as a warning to owners of vehicles that may have tampered with their plates to make it look green, or installed green plates on a non-hybrid vehicle.