(INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / NINO JESUS ORBETA)
MANILA, Philippines — Several transport groups on Tuesday filed civil complaints against officials of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and Department of Transportation (DOTr) following the issuance of policies related to the operation of the Private Motor Vehicle Inspection Centers (PMVICs).
The groups filed a Petition for Certiorari Prohibition before the Regional Trial Court of Lupon, Davao Oriental against several officials including DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista, Undersecretary Reinier Paul Yebra and LTO Assistant Secretary Jose Arturo Tugade.
The complainants want the court to declare the previously issued Department Order/memorandum circular on the implementation of the rule on PMVICs as null and void.
Various transport groups and road safety advocates are also pushing for the dismissal of the implementation of the PMVICs system.
Among the transport groups that filed the complaint are Ang Kaligtasan sa Kalsada, National Confederation of Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (NACTODAP), National Public Transport Coalition (NPTC), Association of Committed Transport Organizations Nationwide Corporation (ACTONA), Arangkada Riders Alliance Inc. (Motorcycle Riders) and Lupon Pedicab Operators Drivers Association.
It was in March when the DOTr issued new rules and regulations for PMVICs and PETCs to test the roadworthiness and ensure compliance with government standards of vehicles for registration.
The DOTr said that it has not yet received a copy of the complaint.