Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 2) — The Department of Transportation said it plans 200 additional sites for its Private Motor Vehicle Inspection Centers to help strengthen its efforts in ensuring roadworthiness of vehicles.
DOTr Assistant Secretary Steve Pastor saidon Tuesday there are now 138 PMVIC sites across the country, of which only 24 are operating, while others are for reopening, republication, or re-evaluation.
“Sa mga areas na walang pang operational na [P]MVIS center, maari pa rin na emission certificate muna ang gamitin,” he added.
[Translation: In areas with no operating PMVIS center, you can still use emission certification for the mean time.]
The Land Transportation Office is requiring motorists to have their vehicles tested regularly at these facilities as part of their registration renewal process. These facilities evaluate if a vehicle is roadworthy.
However, groups raised their concerns about hefty fees for inspection that range from ₱600 to ₱1,800.
During the briefing, LTO chief Edgar Galvante defended operations of their PMVICs. Unlike emission testing centers, these inspection centers can look into vehicles more in detail including their braking system and wheel alignment, he said.
The incidence of “non-appearance” can also be prevented with this facility this also reducing possibility of corruption, versus emission centers where illegal acts are rampant, he added without citing details.
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