Bicol Saro Party-list Representative Terry Ridon on Thursday said the Land Transportation Office (LTO) has “no legal basis” to impound light electric vehicles (LEVs), including e-bikes and e-trikes, that are used exclusively for private purposes.
LTO gave its commitment to the Senate on Thursday, as it tackled in the plenary the proposed budget of the Department of Transportation (DOTr), stating that it will impound electronic bikes and tricycles (e-bikes, e-trikes) caught operating on main thoroughfares starting December 1, 2025.
Ridon noted that while the LTO may invoke Section 73 of DOTC–LTO Memorandum Circular 89-105, which authorizes the impounding of unregistered vehicles, the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA) clearly exempts privately used LEVs from registration with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and its attached agencies, including the LTO.
“A memorandum circular cannot override a later, specific national law,” Ridon said, emphasizing that private-use LEVs cannot be legally impounded.
He also stressed that there is no legal basis to apprehend LEVs on major national roads, including routes identified by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).
Under EVIDA, both private and for-hire LEVs are allowed to use major local and national roads, with segregated lanes or integration into bicycle lanes mandated along such routes.
Ridon clarified that while for-hire LEVs must be registered and regulated by national and local governments, similar to tricycles, privately used LEVs are exempt, and the distinction must be respected.
He added that private LEVs have “democratized” local transportation, enabling families to bring children to school, attend church, and shop for essentials without relying on more expensive transport options.
“Dahil sa mga e-trike at e-bikes, nakakapaghatid-sundo ang mga nanay sa mga paaralan ng kanilang mga anak, nakakabisita ang mga lola sa simbahan, at nakakapamili ang mga pamilya sa mga palengke nang hindi gumagastos nang malaki para sa pamasahe,” he said.
Ridon called on the DOTr, LTO, and MMDA to abandon any plan to impound private-use LEVs and to review their policies to ensure full compliance with the EVIDA Law.
He also warned that congressional proceedings may be initiated to hold agencies accountable for any overreach.
Meanwhile, in an exclusive interview on Dos Por Dos, Lacanilao said that their agency is currently finalizing the legal basis for the registration of e-bikes and e-trikes.
He added that their goal is to reduce the increasing number of accidents involving light electric vehicles.
“Alam ko, maraming magagalit sa akin diyan pero kailangan ko pong gawin ’yan kasi mas mahalaga po ang buhay. Di bale nang magalit sila, ligtas naman ang pamilya nila na gumagamit ng ganyan sa highway. Kasi kung mabangga sila, malaking disgrasya po,” said the LTO chief.
