Recto: Halt private car inspection hubs until full consultations done

MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto is urging government to suspend the operation of the Private Motor Vehicle Inspection Centers (PMVICs) “until a comprehensive public consultation is conducted.”

Recto’s call for suspension addressed to the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Land Transportation Office (LTO) was contained in Senate Resolution No. 638, which he filed Thursday.

The senator lamented that “even without an exhaustive public consultation” and public information campaign, DOTr and LTO still issued a memorandum order last December 29,  directing the immediate implementation of the PMVIC in the middle of the pandemic.

“At this time of the pandemic, when the people are facing a health crisis and an economic downturn that is causing suffering, fear, and anxiety, our people should not be further burdened by regulatory measures with questionable procedures,  imposing exorbitant fees with doubtful effectiveness, and implemented without proper public consultation,” Recto lamented in the resolution.

DOTr and LTO plan to roll out a total of 138 PMVICs nationwide.

PMVICs are authorized to collect an inspection fee of P1,800 from motor vehicles weighing 4,500 kilograms or less and another P900 in case it fails the first inspection.

Motorcycles and tricycles, on the other hand, are charged a P600-inspection fee and P300-reinspection fee, if necessary.

A miscellaneous fee of P1,800 are also collected for motor vehicle modification, miscellaneous transactions, and recovered carnapped vehicle, according to Recto’s resolution.

Recto noted the “widespread” protests from motorists and civic organizations who, he said, questioned the integrity of PMVIC machines and the 72-point series of roadworthiness automated tests that are said to be “more demanding than those required for car dealerships.”

“Protesters also complained about the high inspection and re-inspection fees charged by the PMVICs to motor vehicle owners which were determined without proper consultation,” he said.

“Some critics have raised the question on the legality of the operations of PMVICs and even hinted on possible corruption since it was not reviewed by Congress and was not subject to the approval of the Office of the President,” the senator added.

Senator Grace Poe, who heads the Senate committee on public services, has already sought an inquiry into the operation of PMVICs.

A separate hearing on the issue will also be conducted in the House of Representatives.

KGA