EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
Third Regular Session 
)
SENATE
Introduced by Senator Juan Miguel F. Zubiri
AN ACT
REGULATING THE USE AND OTHER ACTIVITIES RELATED TO VINTAGE 
AUTOMOBILES AND OTHER HISTORICAL, CLASSIC, OR COLLECTOR MOTOR 
VEHICLES, AND PROVIDING FOR THEIR EXEMPTION FROM THE STANDARDS 
AND RESTRICTIONS SET BY LAWS ENACTED AND REGULATIONS ADOPTED 
AFTER THE DATE OF THEIR MANUFACTURE
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Article XIV, Section 14 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution states that "the State 
shali foster the preservation, enrichment, and dynamic evolution of a Filipino national 
culture based on the principle of unity in diversity in a dimate of free artistic and 
intellectual expression." Furthermore, Section 16 of the same Article states that "all the 
country's artistic and historic wealth constitutes the cultural treasure of the nation and 
shall be under the protection of the State which may regulate its disposition."
Executive Order No. 156 (2002), titled "Providing for a Comprehensive Industrial 
Policy and Directions for the Motor Vehicle Development Program and its Implementing 
Guideiines," states that "the motor vehicle industry is a significant contributor to the 
country's economic output, employment, investments, exports, and the development of 
small and medium scale parts and component manufacturing establishments." In this 
regard, encouraging vintage car restoration shali not only promote heritage conservation 
but shall likewise spur economic activity in the micro and small enterprise category, and 
the development of skills to serve a niche market here and abroad.
The State recognizes motor vehicies to be part of Phiiippine culture and 
acknowledges that vintage vehicles provide a window into understanding the 
development of a nation's way of life. Furthermore, the preservation of such vehicles is 
expected to provide a source of livelihood for skilled workers in this industry, and would 
open up much needed opportunities in this time of pandemic. This measure seeks to 
preserve vintage vehicles and establish the poiicy that shall govern the importation, 
exportation, registration and operation of such vehicles.
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
JUAN MIGUEL F. ZUBIRI


EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
Third Regular Session 
)
SENATE
Senate Bill No.
*21 SEP 16 P2 31
2402
Introduced by Senator Juan Miguel F. Zubiri
AN ACT
REGULATING THE USE AND OTHER ACTIVITIES RELATED TO VINTAGE 
AUTOMOBILES AND OTHER HISTORICAL, CLASSIC, OR COLLECTOR MOTOR 
VEHICLES, AND PROVIDING FOR THEIR EXEMPTION FROM THE STANDARDS 
AND RESTRICTIONS SET BY LAWS ENACTED AND REGULATIONS ADOPTED 
AFTER THE DATE OF THEIR MANUFACTURE
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Phiiippines in 
Congress assembled:
1 
SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Vintage Vehicle
2 
Regulation Act".
3 
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - Section 14 Article XIV of the Constitution
4 
deciares that the State shall foster the preservation, enrichment, and dynamic evolution
5 
of a Filipino culture based on the principle of unity in diversity in a climate of free artistic
6 
and intellectual expression. Section 16 of the same article declares that the country's
7 
artistic and historic wealth constitutes the cultural treasure of the nation and shall be
8 
under the protection of the State which may regulate its disposition.
9 
The State recognizes that motor vehicles are integral part of Philippine culture,
10 
embedded in its history and chronicles of government, transportation, industry, social life,
11 
and popular culture. The State acknowledges that surviving vintage vehicles, as well as
12 
their related tools, equipment, accessories, buildings, literature, and collectible ephemera,
13 
deserve and require sustainable conservation, and that motoring heritage aids
14 
contextualization, documentation, interpretation, and understanding of the development
15 
of the nation's way of life and how it continues to transition. Within this context, the
16 
preservation of vintage vehicles is in accord with policy of the State to preserve its
17 
heritage and patrimony.
18 
The State recognizes the large and expanding international markets for the
19 
restoration of these vintage vehicles. The State is keenly aware that the country's unique
20 
conditions, the capability of its small and medium industries, and the quality of its human
21 
resource make it competitive in those markets. It is therefore the declared policy of the
22 
State to provide an environment that will encourage its entrepreneurs and industries to
23 
participate in those markets and permit its businessmen, technicians, and workforce to
24 
acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for the purpose. In furtherance of such
25 
policies, the State shall pursue the following objectives:


1 
(i) 
protect, preserve, enhance, and promote the nation's heritage by
2 
preserving vintage vehicles and in furtherance thereof permit the
3 
importation of such vehicles in historically correct condition;
4 
(ii) 
establish and strengthen regulatory policies that encourage their
5 
preservation, maintenance, occasional use, and registration;
6 
(Hi) increase economic opportunities by creating conditions favorable to small
7 
and medium industries that may participate in the international markets for
8 
the restoration and repair of vintage vehicles and the manufacture of their
9 
spare and replacement parts; and
10 
(iv) encourage tourism through the promotion of automobile tours, shows,
11 
vintage motorsports, and similar events.
12 
SEC. 3. Coverage. - This Act shall apply to all aspects of the regulation of the
13 
importation and exportation, registration, and use of vintage vehicles.
14 
SEC. 4. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act:
15 
(a) Authentic component refers to a replacement part, whether old or newly
16 
produced, that Is identical in appearance and function to an original component
17 
installed in the vehicle or in vehicles belonging to the same model line as the
18 
vehicle at the time of manufacture, but not necessarily made of the same
19 
material, including chassis and monocoque shell and subframe replacements
20 
of the same pattern as the original. This will Include spare parts from the
21 
manufacturer's stock intended for the later servicing or repair of vehicles of
22 
the same model line as the vehicle.
23 
(b) Motor vehicle refers to any self-propelled vehicle designed to carry passengers
24 
or goods, including automobiles, pick-up trucks, vans, sports utility vehicles,
25 
Asian utility vehicles, and motorcycles. A trailer, caravan, or other vehicle
26 
intended to be towed by attachment to a motor vehicle shall be deemed a
27 
motor vehicle for purposes of this Act.
28 
(c) Original spare parts refer to parts of the vehicle, including the motor and
29 
gearbox, that were originally installed by its manufacturer at the time of
30 
manufacture.
31 
(d) Vintage vehicle refers to a motor vehicle that is at least thirty (30) years old
32 
reckoned from the date of manufacture, whose chassis, engine, steering
33 
assembly, and suspension assembly are either original or authentic and whose
34 
body has not been altered in general appearance, subject only to the
35 
exceptions in Section 10 hereof. It shall exclude replicas and reproductions of
36 
vintage vehicles.
37 
SEC. 5. Exemption. - In recognition of their small number, their expected limited
38 
use, and the historical fact that the technology available at the time of their manufacture
39 
will not permit them to meet modern standards, vintage vehicles registered under this
40 
Act shall not be required to meet clean-air, anti-pollution, safety, road-use, and other
41 
standards that were not in force at the time of their manufacture, either as a condition
42 
for their registration and use on public roads or otherwise, the provisions of the Clean Air
43 
Act (RA 8749) and any other law or regulation notwithstanding. However, vintage vehicles
44 
manufactured after December 31, 1967 must be fitted with safety belts as mandated by
45 
Republic Act No. 8750 or the Seat Belts Use Act of 1999.
46 
SEC. 6. Importation. - Vintage vehicles may be Imported into the Philippines
47 
by any 2 person or entity.
48 
SEC. 7. Exportation. - A vintage vehicle may be exported without restriction:
49 
Provided, That in the interest of preserving the cultural and historical heritage associated


1 
with vintage vehicles, the exportation of vintage vehicles that have historical significance
2 
to the country, such as vehicles of Presidents of the Philippines, as certified by the
3 
National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP)in accordance with rules and
4 
guidelines, shall be prohibited.
5 
SEC. 8. Right-hand Drive Vehicles. - The prohibition on the importation,
6 
registration, and use of right-hand-drive vehicles shall not apply to vintage vehicles
7 
manufactured on or before December 31,1970 or to vintage vehicles intended principally
8 
for racing or other motorsport.
9 
SEC. 9. Period Specification. - A vintage vehicle registered or otherwise
10 
benefitting under this Act shall be preserved and maintained in a historically correct
11 
condition, which, for purposes of this Act and subject to Section 10 hereof, shall mean
12 
that (i) its chassis, engine, steering, and suspension shall not have been replaced or
13 
modified except with original or authentic components, and (ii) its body has not been
14 
changed in general appearance.
15 
SEC. 10. Permitted Modifications. - The following modifications shall be
16 
permitted on vintage vehicles:
17 
(i) 
modifications of a type that can be demonstrated to have been made when
18 
the vintage vehicle was in production or within ten (10) years of the end of
19 
production;
20 
(ii) 
modifications to brakes, suspension, axles and running gear to improve
21 
efficiency or 
safety;
22 
(iii) use of carburetors or fuel injection systems not original to the vintage
23 
vehicle to improve efficiency, economy or environmental performance;
24 
(iv) 
installation of a new, modem engine of the same brand or manufacture and
25 
of the same general specification as the engine original to the vintage
26 
vehicle or vehicles belonging to the same model line as the vintage vehicle;
27 
and
28 
(v) 
installation of after-market accessories and equipment, such as radios, air-
29 
conditioning, and directional lights, to permit the convenient or safe use of
30 
the vehicle.
31 
SEC. 11. Limited Use. - A vintage vehicle that (i) is imported after the effectivity
32 
of this Act, or (ii) is registered under this Act, or (iii) otherwise benefits from any
33 
exemption or privilege under this Act shall be used only on Saturdays, Sundays, and
34 
holidays, except for the purpose of registration or inspections by the Land Transportation
35 
Office (LTO) under this Act. A vintage vehicle shall in no event be used for commercial
36 
purposes, except only for motion pictures, advertisements, pictorials, weddings, and
37 
motorcades. In no event shall a vintage vehicle be used as a public utility vehicle or for
38 
the commercial transport of persons or goods.
39 
SEC. 12. Registration. - All vintage vehicles (i) imported after the effectivity of
40 
this Act or (ii) benefiting from any exemption or privilege under this Act shall be registered
41 
as a vintage vehicle with the LTO in order to benefit from the provisions of this Act. Such
42 
registration shall be valid for five (5) years.
43 
SEC. 13. License Plate. - The LTO shall issue to each registered vintage vehicle
44 
license plates that contain the words "vintage vehicle" in addition to the usual letters and
45 
numerals appearing in license plates. The model year or year of manufacture shall be
46 
indicated on any appropriate part of the plate.


1 
SEC. 14. Applicability of Prohibitions. - The prohibitions set out in this Act,
2 
including against daily use, shaii not apply to motor vehicles that are not registered under
3 
this Act or which do not seek to benefit from any exemption or privilege under this Act.
4 
Such motor vehicles shall be subject to all laws and regulations governing the registration
5 
and use of motor vehicles in general, including all air emission, safety, roadworthiness
6 
and other standards.
7 
SEC. 15. Inspection. - A vintage vehicie applying for registration or the renewal
8 
of its registration under this Act shall be subject to inspection in compliance with Sections
9 
9 and 10 hereof and, if manufactured after December 31, 1975, in compliance with the
10 
minimum safety and roadworthiness guidelines established by the LTO in consultation
11 
with stakeholders. In no event shall the standards for safety inspection for vintage
12 
vehicles registered under this Act exceed or be more stringent than those that were in
13 
force at the year the vehicle was manufactured.
14 
As in the case of any motor vehicle and in the interest of public safety and
15 
responsible ownership, the LTO shall conduct random inspection of registered vintage
16 
vehicles on public roads and highways.
17 
SEC. 16. Lost Papers. - (a) A vintage vehicle that has no certificate of
18 
registration, official receipt of registration payment, or other evidence of ownership or
19 
registration may be registered as a vintage vehicle under this Act, subject to the
20 
submission by the applicant of (i) a notarized affidavit that states that the applicant is the
21 
owner, is in possession of the vehicle, knows of no claim on the vehicle, and which
22 
describes the circumstances by which the applicant came to acquire the vehicle, (ii)
23 
clearance from the relevant police agency that there is no record of the vehicle having
24 
been stolen, and (iii) payment to the LTO of a one-time reconstitution fee of Ten thousand
25 
pesos (PhP 10,000.00) in addition to the regular fees and charges for the registration of
26 
vintage vehicles.
27 
(b) Publication of Notice of Application for Registration. The LTO shall publish a
28 
notice of the application in a newspaper of general circulation once a week for three (3)
29 
consecutive weeks at the expense of the applicant and on its website within three (3)
30 
days from receipt of each complete application, describing the vehicle and stating that
31 
the applicant has applied for registration. If the LTO receives no objection to the
32 
application or daim by third parties on the vehicle within three (3) months from the date
33 
of publication, it shall register the vehicle as a vintage vehicle under this Act. The
34 
registration of a vintage vehicle shall be without prejudice to rights of persons who may
35 
claim ownership of the vintage vehicle under applicable laws.
36 
(c) Date of manufacture. The date of manufacture of a vintage vehicle with iost,
37 
incomplete, or inconsistent papers may be ascertained through the car manufacturer or
38 
the assistance of vintage car associations or interest groups. If details such as the exact
39 
date of manufacture cannot be ascertained, the registration paper and entry in the
40 
database of the LTO shall indicate this fact and an annotation that the "date of
41 
manufacture is not available but has been estimated by [name of authority/association]."
42 
SEC. 17. Vintage Vehicle Restoration Database; Education. - (a)
43 
Recognizing the historical and cultural value and contribution of vintage vehicles to
44 
employment and the industry in generai, the LTO shall establish and maintain a national
45 
database that lists and describes vintage vehicles in the country, which it shall share with
46 
the NHCP for purposes of Section 7 hereof.
47 
(b) To support the iocal restoration industry, the LTO shall include in its database
48 
authorized and licensed companies and shops engaged in the repair or restoration of
49 
vintage vehicles or in the manufacture of spare and replacement parts for vintage
50 
vehicles, private sector associations and interest groups, and relevant government


1 
agencies, such as the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and actively
2 
engage them, in strengthening opportunities and programs for skills and technological
3 
development in these and related industries.
4 
(c) The LTO shall promote and encourage the conscientious, correct and safe
5 
maintenance of vintage vehicles through consistent information and education campaigns
6 
and other means.
7 
SEC. 18. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The LTO shall, after public
8 
hearings and consultation with concerned sectors of society, including at least five (5)
9 
vintage vehicle owners or representatives from owners' groups or associations, formulate
10 
and issue the necessary rules and regulations for the effective and speedy implementation
11 
of this Act within sixty (60) days of its effectivity. Likewise, the LTO shall consult with
12 
vintage vehicle owners or representatives from owners' groups or associations in the
13 
development of other relevant policies and issuances. Any draft issuance or policy shall
14 
also be circulated electronically via email and other social media channels for meaningful
15 
engagement of stakeholders especially owners, collectors, restorers, mechanics, and
16 
enthusiasts.
17 
SEC. 19. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared invalid
18 
or unconstitutional, such parts not affected by such declaration shall remain in fuli force
19 
and effect.
20 
SEC. 20. Repealing Clause. - All laws, orders, rules and regulations and other
21 
issuances, or parts thereof, which are inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed,
22 
amended or modified accordingly.
23 
SEC. 21. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
24 
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved^