Groups oppose privatization of emission test

MANILA, Philippines–Transport groups and a clean air advocacy group will mobilize Monday for a last-ditch appeal to President Aquino not to approve a proposed P19.3-billion project for a privatized nationwide motor vehicle inspection system (MVIS).

Five major transport groups and clean air advocates will stage a transport caravan to Malacañang this morning to seek an audience with Aquino.

The groups said the MVIS privatization would hike the mandatory emissions testing fee from P100 to P1,200 for public utility vehicles and from P350 to P2,500 for private vehicles.

They warned that despite increasing the fees, the MVIS privatization would not end corruption in the annual inspection and registration of vehicles with the rampant practice of “no-show” or “non-appearance” emission testing.

Endorsed by the Department of Transportation and Communications and the National Economic and Development Authority, the MVIS privatization calls for establishing a nationwide network of motor vehicle inspection centers to be linked to the Land Transportation Office.–Dona Z. Pazzibugan