CLARK FREEPORT -- Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade has ordered anew for the suspension of the Private Motor Vehicle Inspection Center (PMVIC) program.
This, after numerous groups of motorists expressed their strong opposition to the new inspection scheme, which they described as untimely, illegal and additional burden to the Filipino people now that the whole country is suffering from the Covid-19 pandemic.
The same scheme earned the ire of motorists and vehicle owners last year after its initial rollout in several areas covered by select branches of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) which was implemented at the height of the pandemic.
Tugade suspended the implementation of the PMVIC, which is under the agency's new motor vehicle inspection system, until the Geographic Areas of Responsibility (GAOR) issue is fully resolved.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) chief directed the LTO to conduct an immediate and exhaustive review of the policy.
He also asked the LTO to maintain the previous registration process where motorists may choose between a PMVIC and a Private Emission Testing Center (PETC) for the required vehicle inspection.
Under the present system, vehicle owners in areas outside GAOR or those areas without PMVICs may still go to PETC for emission testing.
Roadworthiness inspection for heavy vehicles are then made by LTO personnel and emission testing by the PETC.
Tugade has called for sobriety and unity to address the issues and concerns regarding the new policy.
With the help of senators and other government officials, motorist groups all over the country urged the DOTr and LTO to abolish the new vehicle inspection system.
They are even asking the DOTr and LTO to permanently abolish this new vehicle inspection system.