Law Summary
Government Policy Declaration
- The government policy aims to ensure transport services are efficient, safe, reliable, and sustainable.
- Emphasis on vehicle safety, environmental protection, promotion of energy efficiency, and anti-theft performance.
Framework and Objectives
- Ensure compliance of motor vehicles with standards under Republic Act No. 4136 (Land Transportation and Traffic Code) and related laws.
- Develop, review, revise, and publish vehicle standards every two years or as needed pursuant to the Philippine Standardization Law (RA 4109).
- Harmonize national vehicle emission standards with international standards and establish fuel quality standards under the Philippine Clean Air Act (RA 8749).
- Establish uniform and simplified standards and procedures for worldwide recognition aligned with the 1958, 1997, and 1998 WP 29 Agreements.
Committee Composition and Coverage
- Chaired by the Secretary of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC).
- Vice-Chaired by the Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry.
- Members include representatives from key government departments (DENR, DOE, DOST, DILG, DFA), component agencies (LTO, LTFRB, BPS, BOI, BIS, EMB, OIMB, EUMB, ITDI, MIRDC, PCIERD, PNP-TMG), the academe (University of the Philippines), and private sector organizations (PAFI, AAP, COLTOP).
- Committee may invite other representatives as necessary.
Functions of the Committee
- Review Philippine National Standards and related laws for conformity with international rules and regulations.
- Classify and prioritize the implementation of a type approval system based on UN-ECE standards.
- Identify safety regulations for harmonization with UN-ECE.
- Determine institutional and technical infrastructure required to participate in WP 29.
- Coordinate with DFA and other bodies for accession to UN Agreements.
- Perform additional duties necessary to achieve WP 29 objectives and implement EO 628.
Creation and Composition of Sub-Committees
- Four Sub-Committees established to implement specific functions:
- Sub-Committee on Standards Development: Chaired by BPS, involves government agencies, private sector and academe members.
- Sub-Committee on Certification and Regulations: Chaired by LTO, focuses on certification and regulatory aspects.
- Sub-Committee on Participation to Regional and International Agreements: Chaired by DOTC-RTPMO, manages international participation.
- Sub-Committee on Legislative Agenda: Chaired by DOTC-RTPMO, addresses legislative matters.
Functions of the Sub-Committees
- Standards Development:
- Coordinate standardization activities.
- Recommend policy thrusts aligned with regional and international agreements.
- Set priorities for motor vehicle standards.
- Identify infrastructure needs.
- Conduct public information and consultations.
- Certification and Regulations:
- Establish vehicle type approval systems in line with international standards.
- Develop regulatory matrices and accreditation procedures.
- Identify infrastructure requirements for implementation.
- Conduct public consultations.
- Participation to Regional and International Agreements:
- Organize administrative activities related to international agreements.
- Recommend administrative measures for implementing objectives.
- Coordinate accession to agreements like WP 29.
- Legislative Agenda:
- Review existing legal frameworks.
- Recommend legislative measures.
- Draft and consult on proposed laws for submission to Congress.
Secretariat Functions
- Managed by DOTC-Road Transport Program Management Office (DOTC-RTPMO).
- Responsible for documentation, record-keeping, administrative duties, and preparation of committee documents.
Reporting Requirements
- Sub-Committees produce regular reports submitted to the Committee via the Secretariat.
- Committee consolidates reports and submits an Annual Report to the President detailing activities and accomplishments.
Funding
- Operations funded mainly through special road safety and vehicle pollution control funds administered by the Road Board under RA 8794 (Motor Vehicle User's Charge Law).
- Additional funding may be sourced as recommended by the Department of Budget and Management.
Effectivity
- Rules take effect fifteen (15) days after publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.
This comprehensive framework facilitates harmonization of Philippine motor vehicle standards with international norms, enhances safety, environmental protection, and supports legislative and organizational mechanisms for effective implementation.