‘WE CANNOT WAIT FOR DISASTER TO HAPPEN’: LTO 6 backs vehicles inspection policy, assures ample time to prepare

Amid criticisms from local public officials against its feasibility and economic viability, the Land Transportation Office in Western Visayas (LTO-6) defended the implementation of the vehicle inspection policy or the Private Motor Vehicle Inspection Centers (PMVICs) in the region.

LTO-6 Regional Director Eric Lenard Tabaldo said it is about time to implement the long-overdue policy as it concerns the safety of the riding public.

“We cannot wait for disasters to happen. It’s about time. Supposedly, last year pa ni tani. Sin-o di gusto nga madrive salakyan nga may problema sa brake. This is for the safety of everyone,” he said in a press conference on February 3, 2021.

LTO MC 2018-2158, which was issued on November 28, 2018, provides the guidelines and processes of PMVICs.

The PMVICs are authorized to conduct road worthiness inspection and emission compliance tests of motor vehicles and their respective provisional Geographical Areas of Responsibility.

Engr. Arturo Apolinar, Director I of LTO-6, explained that vehicles subjected to the PMVIC policy will undergo a three-level test to ensure safety and roadworthiness of their vehicles.

“It’s all for the safety. Compared to the regular na emission test, this time with the PMVIC the vehicles will undergo a three-level test.

First is a visual inspection of their parts. The second level will be the machine test and the third level will be the sound level test and headlight test. Diri pa lang masigurado naton nga ang aton nga salakyan safe pinaagi sa mga test,” Apolinar explained.

In response to remarks of local officials that the inspection policy is a money-making scheme, Apolinar said that the computer-generated system is tamper-proof and cannot be manipulated by fixers or employees.

“The PMVICs are designed to use computer machines so it cannot be manipulated. It follows a standard so there is almost no human intervention.  Any corrupt practices will not prosper,” he said.

On Tuesday, members of the Iloilo City Council passed a resolution requesting LTO-6 to defer the implementation of the PMVICs citing its lack of preparation and its drastic effect on the driving public.

Councilor Rommel Duron, chairman of the committee on transportation noted the possible “clogging” of vehicles at testing centers due to the limited PMVICs.

He added that inspection fees ranging from PHP300 to PHP1,800 will be an additional burden to the motorists.

But, Tabaldo said that the agency has already requested for additional PMVICs in the region to be authorized to conduct tests.

Currently, the Panay Quality Motor Service in Roxas City is the only authorized PMVIC in the entire region operating for about 12-18 hours per day.

Tabaldo said nine PMVICs will be established in Western Visayas particularly in Iloilo, Antique, Kalibo, Bacolod, and Kabankalan.

In Iloilo City alone, six PMVICs will operate wherein four will be dedicated to light vehicles while two will be for heavy vehicles.

The agency also requested additional PMVICs to operate in Iloilo province particularly in the towns of Calinog, Barotac Viejo, Passi City, and Guimbal.

Tabaldo stressed that it is still too early to bash the project as they are willing to meet with the demands of the public.

“The point here is we still have enough time. We will try to make everything work out. It’s too early to bash the project. We have enough time to make necessary measures and adjustments before the d-day. So, let us give this a chance first,” he said.

The official said they are planning to implement the vehicle inspection policy by late May or first week of June this year. (ERS)