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Monday, June 09, 2008
3 agencies own most of unregistered vehicles
MANILA -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP) and local government units (LGUs) are the top government agencies that have the most number of unregistered vehicles in the country.
However, the Land Transportation Office (LTO), the government office that registers all vehicles in the country, did not provide the exact number of unregistered vehicles from the AFP, PNP and from the LGUs.
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LTO Chief Alberto Suansing said on Sunday the government would have earned about P500 million if the three agencies registered its vehicles.
Suansing admitted that much as LTO is tasked to go after and impound unregistered vehicles, its law enforcers are having difficulty apprehending the vehicles because the drivers usually intimidate them.
He also revealed that LTO law enforcers are virtually powerless against these government agencies because of several excuses.
There are around seven million vehicles registered at the LTO nationwide.
The land transportation agency was able to increase its revenue by three percent in 2007 compared to its collection in 2006 due to an intensified campaign against unregistered vehicles.
Based on records, the LTO was able to collect at least P10.4 billion in revenue in 2007 compared to the P10.1 billion in 2006.
The revenues mostly came from drivers' licenses and vehicles' registration fees, as well as fines and penalties from erring motorists.
Warning
Suansing meantime warned all firms doing business with LTO that he will not hesitate to discontinue its services if ever found incompetent or engaging in illegal activities.
He issued the warning after he recently ordered the closure of an emission test center - Enviroguard Emission Test Center - after investigation found that it was involved in non-appearance operations.
Reports reached Suansing's office that some private emission test centers (PETC) still continue with its illegal activities particularly the "non-appearance" of the subject vehicles.
Under the said modus operandi, vehicle owners who are willing to pay extra amount can still get their emission compliance certificate from the PETC even if they did not appear.
PETCs are private firms accredited by LTO to conduct smoke emission test to private vehicles and issue emission compliance certificate, a requirement to all vehicle owners before they can register their vehicles.
Suansing said they are currently reviewing the case of at least 40 test centers nationwide that have been reportedly involved in various illegal acts, adding that closure orders are set to be issued soon. (AH/Sunnex)
For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Manila. (June 9, 2008 issue)
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