Poe seeks Senate panel inquiry on ‘exorbitant’ fees collected by PMVICs

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Grace Poe is seeking an investigation on what she calls “exorbitant” fees collected by private motor vehicles inspection centers (PMVICs).

In filing Senate resolution 1003 dated January 28, 2019, Senator Grace Poe has ordered the Senate public service committee to inquire on the P1,800 fee being collected by the PMVICS “for the purpose of assessing the roadworthiness of vehicles.”

Poe, who chairs the said committee, also said that the Senate panel should recommend the suspension of such fees, “so as not to double the fees and charges to be paid by motor vehicle owners.”

The senator, in her resolution, noted that a provision under Memorandum Circular (M.C.) 2018-2158, authorizes PMVICs to collect P1,800 from owners of vehicles with a gross weight rating of 4,500 kilograms.

The memorandum circular was issued by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) pursuant of Republic Act No. 4136, or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, which “mandates the [LTO] to inspect and register motor vehicles.”

“If a motor vehicle fails its first inspection, the PMVIC is authorized to collect a further [P900] for another inspection,” the resolution read.

“PMVICs are also authorized to collect an [P600] inspection fee from motorcycles and tricycles, and a [P300] re-inspection fee if needed,” it added.

Poe’s resolution noted that the centers are also authorized “to collect a separate ‘inspection fee’ for motor vehicle modification (change body design or configuration), miscellaneous transactions such as change in engine or chassis, color, revision of gross vehicle weight, re-stamping of engine, and recovered stolen vehicle.

The senator said “motorists have complained the new fees would ‘double the registration fees that most motor vehicle owners already have to pay.”

Poe said it is “imperative that government agencies seek to reduce fees and red tape, so as not to add to the everyday burden faced by Filipinos. /ee