I DON'T know about you, but I am one of the many people who does not own a brand new car. Just like the plight of those whose income is barely enough to make ends meet during this time, it is far from possible for us to avail ourselves of a new and modern vehicle even if we badly want to.
And so, my dilemma about the pending implementation of the Private Vehicle Motor Inspection as a requisite for the LTO (Land Transportation Office) registration is real. Even if I had some major repairs and replacements such as changing my tires and shock absorbers a few months ago, I think that with the current depreciated condition of my vehicle, it will automatically fail the said vehicle inspection test.
I do not question the rationale behind this new guideline being implemented by the LTO. It is true that this move seeks to ensure the safety of everyone plying the roads, whether you are the one using the vehicle or a mere person walking along or crossing the road. I agree that this move to ensure the roadworthiness of all vehicles is for the common good of all citizens.
However, I just have to point out as well that not all our roads are in good condition. In fact, if I were to be brutally honest about it, our roads are so deplorable that they are the very reason why our vehicles are damaged. For instance, the connecting slopes between a bridge and the pavement do not follow a standard that in some slopes, our vehicles jump or do not descend smoothly, right?
After heavy rains, expect that most of the major roads and thoroughfares are flooded and since we do not really have a choice but to ply that route, we just let our vehicles become soaked that the underparts are compromised as well. Of course, it is also very obvious that some roads, with or without rains, are so damaged that big holes and uneven portions cause damages to the vehicle.
As an ordinary citizen who does not have a choice but to report to the office every day, it is already an advantage for me to have a vehicle that I can use. But if this new system needed to renew my motor registration will further pin me down financially since you have to pay every time the car gets a failed inspection rating, then that leaves me no choice but to resort to using public transport.
I hope our authorities can empathize with our plight, and review the guidelines thoroughly before they implement them.