3 emission testing centers suspended

THREE private emission testing centers’ authorizations to test vehicle smoke emissions were recently suspended by the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) regional director Celina Claver implemented a cease and desist order by LTO assistant secretary Virginia Torres for the inconsistencies with test procedures of two emission testing centers.

Among the Private Emission and Testing Centers (PETC) ordered for suspension of authorization to conduct smoke emission tests are Galaxy Emission Testing Center in Naguilian Road and Eco-friendly Emission Testing Center in Engineer’s Hill.

In view of the violation, both emission testing centers were suspended for one month and prohibited from operating and required to pay a penalty of P30,000 to the LTO Central Office.

Claver also said continued operation, while under the suspension period, would result to the immediate cancellation of authorizations as they are required to rectify all violations committed and request for reinspection to prove that they have already corrected violations committed.

“Once the office verifies and accepts all corrections made, only then shall authorizations be reinstated,” Claver said.

Meanwhile, Ama Smoke Emission Testing Center in Upper Irisan was ordered to cease and desist its operations as the LTO revoked its authorization to conduct smoke emission tests due to inconsistencies with test and falsified test results including non appearance of vehicle owners during tests.

LTO ordered for their authorization to be immediately cancelled and prohibited from operating.

In the order for revocation of authorization, Assistant Secretary Torres claimed Ama Smoke Emission Testing Center replied to the reports of the DOTC regional director of the non-appearance of at least four vehicles in their testing centers.

However Torres said the explanation of the smoke emission testing center’s management is “devoid of merit as there is factual and legal basis to substantiate the findings of the DOTC-Regional Monitoring Team of abuse of its privilege to operate a Private Emission Testing Center.”

The DOTC and LTO have been strict in monitoring PETCs amidst reports from vehicle owners of inconsistencies with emission testing results to the emission testing conducted by the City Government with aims to curb pollution in the Summer Capital and implement the local clean air ordinance. - (JM Agreda)