Vintage Vehicle Regulation Act to take effect in April

MANILA: Northern Samar First District Representative Paul Daza announced the impending release of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 11698 or the Vintage Vehicle Regulation Act of 2022, which will take effect in April.

Daza, along with fellow vintage car enthusiasts, visited the Presidential Car Museum at the Quezon City Memorial Circle on Wednesday, February 15, to commemorate this significant milestone and to encourage Filipinos to value historical artifacts.

12 presidential cars are on display at the museum. All of them were meticulously restored by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), and the majority of them still showcase their fascinating histories.

“We’re here in the museum today not just to celebrate the law on vintage vehicles but also to encourage Filipinos, especially the youth to honor history and the sacrifices of our heroes and former presidents,” Daza said.

Records show that the presidential cars go all the way back to Emilio Aguinaldo's presidency and through Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's administration with the exception of Sergio Osmeña's car, which is in Cebu, and Carlos Garcia's car, which was never recovered.

Members of the Manila Sports Car Club (MSCC), led by its founder, Atty. Andy Sta. Maria, joined Daza during the celebration. Founded in 1967, MSCC is the oldest car club in the Philippines.

“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 stated.

Sta. Maria added that the 130-member MSCC plans to host historic racing and concours d'elegance events to raise awareness of and interest in vintage cars.

The RA 11698 became a law in April 2022. It applies to vehicles that have been on the road for at least 40 years after they were first produced. The law allows vintage cars to be imported, exported, and registered. Registration with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) will be good for three years, at which point owners can apply for special “Vintage Vehicle” license plates.

Daza also wanted the law to facilitate the growth of the vintage car restoration industry in the country. He said that the Vintage Vehicle Law's importation rules would be advantageous to the numerous skilled car restorers in the Philippines.

Photo by Ben V. Briones/Philippine News Agency

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