An automotive technician checks a car in a fully-computerized and privately owned Motor Vehicle Inspection System (MVIS) center in Valenzuela City, on Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2021. (File photo by NIÑO JESUS ORBETA / Philippine Daily Inquirer)
MANILA, Philippines — Alagaan Natin Ating Kalikasan (Ani Kalikasan) chided the Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Wednesday for authorizing Private Motor Vehicle Inspection Centers (PMVICs) to conduct roadworthiness tests on vehicles, despite a Senate committee report disbanding its operation.
In a statement, the environmental group said its members went to the offices of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri to warn them of the PMVICs.
“This is clearly an insult to the senators,” Jun Evangelista, Ani Kalikasan president, said.
He pointed out that Senate Committee on Public Services, chaired by Sen. Grace Poe, already released its report in hits hearing on Feb. 16, 2021. The report directed the disbanding of PMVICs because there was no consultation with various government agencies and other stakeholders,
The group questioned why the DOTr kept pushing for the PMVIC “when there is no law developed for them to manage the roadworthiness of vehicles.” There was only a department order issued during the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.
The group then called on the Senate to reinvestigate why the DOTr authorized the PMCVICs to keep operating.
Last March, the DOTr issued new rules and regulations for PMVICs and Private Emission Testing Centers (PETCs) to check on the roadworthiness of vehicles and their compliance with government standards.
As of this writing, the DOTr has not responded to an INQUIRER.net request for a comment on the issue.