January 9, 2025 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — Makers, importers, distributors, dealers and rebuilders of all public and private vehicles are now required to secure fuel efficiency labels and stickers, the Department of Energy (DOE) said.
Starting this year, industry players in the automotive sector must undergo company registration with a three-year validity and registration with a six-year validity for each model and type of vehicle they offer.
These registrations will enable registered companies to obtain a fuel economy label (FEL) and a fuel economy sticker (FES), in line with the government’s efforts to empower Filipino consumers to make informed decisions about vehicle purchases.
FEL refers to the prescribed removable tag that bears the DOE logo and essential fuel economy performance data, while FES is a fixed sticker with the DOE logo, essential vehicle information and the engine’s fuel economy performance rating.
To facilitate efficient issuance of the FEL and FES, the DOE has established the vehicle fuel economy labeling program (VFELP) system that provides real-time application tracking, fuel consumption and carbon emissions calculations of vehicles.
Mandated under the Energy Efficiency and Conservation (EEC) Act, the VFELP ensures that critical data, including fuel economy ratings, are easily accessible and verifiable through the performance labeling requirements set by the DOE.
“With VFELP, we’re putting the power of informed choice into the hands of Filipino consumers,” Energy Utilization Management Bureau director Patrick Aquino said.
“Knowing your vehicle’s fuel efficiency is not just about saving money; it’s about building a sustainable future. Every drop of fuel or kilowatt saved, every gram of greenhouse gas emission reduced, will make a real difference in the fight against climate change,” Aquino said.
Responsible officers and employees of any organization who “willfully commit” violations under the EEC Act will face a penalty of imprisonment of up to five years or a fine of up to P100 million or twice the amount of costs avoided for non-compliance.
The VFELP bodes well for the country’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions by 75 percent as part of its nationally determined contribution.
This initiative also marked a crucial step forward in fostering a more sustainable and environmentally responsible transportation sector.
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