Given the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the Filipino workforce, Senator Win Gatchalian is pushing for the promotion, importation and restoration of vintage cars and motorcycles in the country.
In filing Senate Bill No. 2396 or the proposed “Vintage Vehicle Regulation Act,” Gatchalian believes the vintage car restoration can spur economic activity in the micro, small and medium enterprises and serve a niche market here and abroad.
“As the world is beset by the pandemic and threatened by recession, it is the right time for us to explore the economic opportunity of growing this industry, to create jobs for our skilled Filipino mechanics, tinsmiths, craftsmen, painters, laborers, shop owners, and to support small and medium-sized businesses,” he said.
In doing so, Gatchalian noted that we are also preserving the country’s heritage in its motoring history.
“This is a very specialized industry which many do not know,” said the senator.
However, he related that our country is known for its excellent craftsmen or those good in making vehicles — the vintage cars.
“We are meticulous and know about this crafting. This is a small industry but with the proposed law, so with this proposal we can help support the vintage car restoration business,” he added.
The senator said some notable local car restoration enthusiasts have found it to be a lucrative business. It also earned them numerous recognitions and awards in major auto competitions.
The capability of small and medium enterprises and the quality of human resource in the automotive restoration business in the country can make the local industry competitive even in the international markets, the senator emphasized.
The measure will cover all aspects of the regulation of the importation and exportation, registration and use of vintage cars, pick-up trucks, vans, sports utility vehicles, Asian utility vehicles, and motorcycles that are at least 30 years old from the date of manufacture.
Gatchalian said the bill will also establish and strengthen the regulatory policies that encourage the vintage vehicles’ preservation, maintenance, occasional use, and registration.
“Many vintage cars are being restored here and sold to Australia with 10 times the price,” he further said.
“It’s a small industry that we can help promote because there’s a potential to make it economically viable,” he added.
