Gov’t grants special privilege to PUVs using alternative fuels

The government will give special privileges to public utility vehicles (PUVs) that will use alternative transport fuels, a top transport official said.

Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board chairman LTFRB chairman Ma. Elena Bautista said they will extend the franchises of PUVs using alternative fuels like autogas and coco-methyl ester (CME) or coco-biodiesel.

Bautista made the commitment during the groundbreaking ceremonies of Flying V’s Bio-Fuels Center at the Philippine Coconut Authority compound in Quezon City.

According to Bautista, LTFRB is now studying the mechanics of who will be qualified and what criteria will be used in extending the franchises of PUVs using coco-biodiesel.

"We are willing to extend the franchises of those who choose to use alternative fuels," Bautista said.

The LTFRB chief said taxi operators who converted to the use of autogas (liquefied petroleum gas used for the transport sector) were granted extension of their franchises by another three years.

At the same time, Bautista lauded Flying V for once again taking the lead in the government’s alternative fuels program.

Energy Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla said the Department of Energy (DOE) is willing to support the initiative of Flying V, which involves the construction of a gasoline station and a multi-purpose building that will showcase year-round exhibits, presentations, seminars and demonstrations on bio-fuels.

"If we want to stop addiction to oil, we have to begin getting addicted to bio-diesel, ethanol and other forms of alternative fuels," he said.

Flying V’s Bio-Fuels Center includes a retail station that will sell pre-blended CME or coco-biodiesel under the brand name Envirotek Bio-Diesel Premium. It will also dispense fuel ethanol (E-10) for gasoline-run vehicles.

"Flying V will continue to work hand in hand with government and other stakeholders of the bio-fuels industry. In particular, Flying V has committed to promote and propagate awareness of coco-methyl ester or coco-biodiesel, its impact to the environment and its contribution to the economy," Flying V spokesman Macky Lopez said.

Coco-biodiesel has been extensively tested by leading national and international testing agencies and conclusively proven to greatly reduce harmful smoke emission, increase fuel mileage and enhance engine performance.

Already being extensively used in the US and Europe, bio-diesel is endorsed by the DOE, Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Flying V is the first and only oil company to dispense pre-blended coco-biodiesel directly from the pumps, having launched the product in Aug. There are now 42 Flying V stations nationwide offering the product.