CFC-12 OR FREON is an ozone-depleting substance and the government is set for its total phase-out (meaning zero importation) by year 2010 since RP is one of the 189 country signatories to the Montreal Protocol on the Protection of the Ozone Layer. Therefore, cars with year models 1998 and below still using CFC-12 will still be allowed to register until the phase-out year 2012.

But under the DOTC-DENR Joint Administrative Order No. 3 series of 2006, all vehicles with model year 1999 or later should have the HFC-134a (R-134a or non-CFC) aircon system. Any vehicle under the said model years that still uses the Chlorofluorocarbon-12 (CFC-12), or also known as R-12 (or Freon) system shall not be allowed to renew its registration with the LTO unless its aircon system is retrofitted to a non-CFC system.

In RP, the phasing out of CFCs is covered by DENR Administrative Order 2004-8 under Republic Act 6969 (Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Waste Control Act). Most reputable specialty aircon shops are familiar with how to retrofit older cars using R-134a system.

For more information, contact the DOTC-LTO office at tel. no. 921-9072 or contact DENR-EMB Philippine Ozone Desk - National CFC Phase-out Plan-Project Management Unit at telephone numbers 928-4578 and telefax 426-4338.