LIST: Major roads covered by 'e-vehicle ban' penalties

MANILA, Philippines — The Metro Manila Council has passed a resolution penalizing the operation of e-vehicles in major roads within the jurisdiction of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), citing safety issues due to the lack of licenses by its drivers.

MMDA acting chairperson Don Artes and San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora, who stands as MMC's president, shared the news with the media on Wednesday after attending a meeting to discuss matters within the National Capital Region (NCR).

"The penalty for these e-trikes who will use national roads and thoroughfares under the jurisdiction of MMDA is P2,500. We will also require drivers to have licenses," said Artes in a press conference in Filipino.

"Violators of the MMC resolution have no licenses... will have their e-vehicles impounded."

The MMDA has enumerated a list of roads where the MMC will take effect:

LOOK: MMDA releases list of major roads where e-trikes and e-bikes will be prohibited, following the passage of a resolution by the Metro Manila Council. Violators will be slapped with a P2,500 fine possibly by April. @PhilstarNews

???? @MMDA pic.twitter.com/0iUusWAhfw

Artes said that they will now circulate the MMC resolution to Metro Manila mayors to have it signed and published. Following that, there is a mandatory waiting period of 15 days before it takes effect. The Land Transportation Office is also set to release guidelines on Thursday reguarding the matter.

An information campaign will also be carried out to make sure that motorists know of the new regulation. Local government units (LGUs) are also tasked to enact their own ordinances to align with the resolution.

"Maybe by April," Artes replied when asked about the effectivity of the resolution.

Zamora said that the main purpose of the new regulation is to prioritize the safety of everyone, especially since many e-vehicle users do not possess licenses.

"When you have no license, it only means that you did not undergo enough training when it comes to skills of driving these vehicles on these roads," said the mayor and MMC president.

"We even have a video of a person, who looks like a grade school kid, driving an e-trike that carries