EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 628, June 20, 2007

CREATING A COMMITTEE ON HARMONIZATION OF VEHICLE STANDARDS AND REGULATIONS (CHVSR)

WHEREAS, efficient and reliable transportation services constitute a vital supportive system to national development;

WHEREAS, the harmonization of standards and regulations pertaining to motor vehicles and its related components and equipment will enhance road safety, decrease pollution, promote energy conservation and efficiency and redound to the general welfare of the public;

WHEREAS, it is the responsibility of the State to safeguard its citizenry, particularly passengers, drivers and pedestrians from injuries and damages caused by vehicular accidents;

WHEREAS, Republic Act No. 4136 or the “Land Transportation and Traffic Code” provides, among others, rules and regulations that prohibit the registration of vehicles that are unfit, unsightly, unsafe or not conforming to the prescribed minimum standards and specifications;

WHEREAS, Republic Act No. 4109 or the “Philippine Standardization Law” mandates the review, revision and publication of the standards every two (2) years or as the need arises to ensure substantial improvement in air quality for the health, safety and welfare of the general public;

WHEREAS, Republic Act No. 8749 or the “Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999? likewise provides for harmonization of national emission standards with the international standards;

WHEREAS, WP 29 was established on 6 June 1952 as a Working Party on the Construction of Vehicles under the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UN-ECE) and serves as the World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations since March 2000 by initiating and pursuing actions aimed at the worldwide harmonization and development of technical standards and regulations for vehicles;

WHEREAS, there are three (3) Agreements under WP 29 which are in pursuance to its objectives by establishing uniform and simplified standards, procedures and regulations for reciprocal acceptance and recognition by the world community;

WHEREAS, there is a need for an inter-agency body at the national level that shall coordinate and integrate efforts and initiatives concerning harmonization of vehicle standards and regulations in the country, and prepare the country’s eventual participation to the WP 29 and “accession” to its Agreements;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, President of the Republic of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby order:

Section 1. Creation of the Committee on Harmonization of Vehicle Standards and Regulations. - There is hereby created the Committee on Harmonization of Vehicle Standards and Regulations (CHVSR), hereinafter referred to as the Committee, which shall be primarily responsible for the effective coordination of efforts by various agencies of the government, international organizations and the private sector pertaining to the harmonization of vehicle standards and regulations, including all activities related thereto.

Section 2. Composition of CHVSR. The CHVSR shall be composed of the following:

a. Chairman	–	Secretary, Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC)
b. Vice Chairman	–	Secretary, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)
c. Members	–	Secretary, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR);
		Secretary, Department of Energy (DOE);
		Secretary, Department of Science and Technology (DOST);
		Secretary, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG);
		Representative from the Academe; and
		Representatives from the Private Sector (automotive industry, transport and motorists).

The CHVSR may form Task Forces, Technical Working Groups or Sub-Committees tasked to perform specific duties and assignments which shall be composed of representatives from government agencies concerned and private sector or non-governmental organizations.

Section 3. Secretariat. A Secretariat is hereby created to assist the Committee, to be composed of representatives from the DTI Bureau of Product Standards and the Department of Transportation and Communications/Land Transportation Office (DOTC/LTO).

Section 4. Functions of the CHVSR. – The CHVSR shall initiate and pursue the formulation of reasonable and workable plans and programs aimed at preparing the country’s eventual participation to the WP 29 and accession to its “Agreements.”

Specifically, the Committee shall perform the following functions:

1. Review the conformity of existing Philippine National Standards and other relevant laws and regulations with current international rules and procedures as well as technical regulations;

2. Identify, classify and prioritize implementation of vehicle and vehicle parts’ standards;

3. Identify safety regulations for possible harmonization based on UN-ECE regulations;

4. Identify and establish the institutional and technical infrastructure requirement to enhance participation to WP 29;

5. Consult and coordinate with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and other bodies concerned concerning the country’s accession to relevant UN Agreements and Conventions;

6. Submit an annual report of its activities and accomplishments to the President; and

7. Perform such other duties and functions which may be necessary in the attainment of the objectives of WP 29, and such other acts as may be necessary and proper to implement this Executive Order.

Section 5. Funding. The funds to support the operations and activities of the Committee shall be sourced from the special road safety and special vehicle pollution control funds administered by the Road Board created under Republic Act No. 8794 or the “Motor Vehicle User’s Charge Law” and such other funding sources as may be recommended by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

Section 6. Repealing Clause. All executive issuances, orders, rules and regulations or parts thereof which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Executive Order are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

Section 7. Effectivity. This Executive Order shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in a national newspaper of general circulation.

DONE in the City of Manila, this 20th day of June, in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Seven.

(SGD.) GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO

By the President:

(SGD.) EDUARDO R. ERMITA

Executive Secretary