Private inspection centers seek revision of vehicle checking program

VEHICLE inspection center owners are proposing a revised private motor vehicle inspection program to President Rodrigo R. Duterte, as daily inspections have drastically declined from 100 to five. “Even with the price drop, there has been a drastic decline in the number of clients undergoing inspection in our centers,” the Vehicle Inspection Centers Owners Association of the Philippines said in a petition letter to the President published on Wednesday. “From doing 100 inspections a day, our centers are currently conducting only five to 10 daily inspections,” the group added. It said the program that is supposed to ensure road safety is “undergoing trial by publicity.” The Transport department started implementing a policy this year that transferred the inspection of vehicles to private centers for the annual registration renewal. “Your DoTr (Department of Transportation) and LTO (Land Transportation Office) are belabored by false accusations of corruption and inefficiency in the process of selection of authorized PMVIC (Private Motor Vehicle Inspection Center) owners,” the group told the President. To ensure the program serves its purpose, the group said the President should consider the adoption of “passing marks in the emission test” and “inspection report from an accredited PMVIC, regardless of the results.” The group said such requirements should be made mandatory for motor vehicle registration renewal of light vehicles, motorcycles, and public utility jeepneys. The Presidential Palace has yet to respond to a request for comment as of press time. — Arjay L. Balinbin