One of the hottest topics in motoring right now is the set of perks enjoyed by electric and hybrid vehicles. One of these benefits is exemption from number-coding. Hence, the proliferation of ‘hybrid’ badges attached to non-hybrid cars. This is how you know that the Philippines is indeed a country of scammers. Sad but true.

On our Facebook page, readers have started to notice how some car owners are deceiving traffic enforcers by using the above-mentioned badges.

Now, the Department of Energy has seen one such post and messaged us:

So yes, the DOE and the MMDA are observing these things. Below is the updated list of “recognized” EVs and hybrids:

If you notice, there are no Geely vehicles on the list. No Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid as well. That’s because mild-hybrid vehicles are not qualified for the benefits reserved for cars that can propel themselves via electric propulsion. If you’re now thinking that nabudol kayo by your sales agent by convincing you that mild-hybrid cars are legit beneficiaries of the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act’s incentives for EV and hybrid buyers, well, sorry…it looks like you got conned.

To those who bought mild hybrids to be exempted from the number-coding, update us when you manage to persuade the DOE and the MMDA that your cars deserve the special treatment. Until then, follow traffic rules like owners of regular internal-combustion-engined vehicles.