Pangasinan motorists protest vs Private Motor Vehicle Inspection Center

Motorists gathered along Bypass Road Nancayasan in Urdaneta City, Pangasinan as officials reminded them about observing health protocols. (Photos from a live stream posted on Facebook by Francisco Serafica)

URDANETA CITY, Pangasinan, Philippines – Motorists from different parts of Pangasinan gathered in this city on Monday to denounce the implementation of the Private Motor Vehicle Inspection Center (PMVIC) by the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

Members of the Tricycle Operators and Drivers’ Association (TODA) went on a noise barrage motorcade before protesting with private motorists in front of a PMVIC.

“The TODA presidents were asking for a dialogue last week, but the [PMVIC] management did not listen,” Francisco Serafica, the city’s public order and safety chief, said explaining the demonstration.

According to the protesters, PMVIC is a burden due to “stricter” inspection and is more expensive than the previous emissions test.

An emissions test costs about P400 while a PMVIC inspection costs P500 for motorcycles and P600 for light vehicles.

After talking with the TODA presidents, the PMVIC management released a statement clarifying that “only visual inspections and emission tests are required” and the results of other tests would solely serve as recommendations.

—MARIAN CALICA, TRAINEE

ATM