Sen. Bam: File cases vs erring PETCs

CEBU, Philippines - Amid reports that some Private Emission Testing Centers (PETC) are sending fake emission results to the Land Transportation Office, a neophyte senator sees the need to impose stiffer penalties on violators as one way to combat the worsening air pollution in the country.

Senator Bam Aquino, in a statement released by the Senate of the Philippines website, said that with current photo-editing technology, it is possible for PETCs to edit plate numbers to make it appear that a vehicle underwent emission testing.

“How can we improve the quality of air in the country if these corrupt PETCs continue to exist,” Aquino said.

 Aquino also expressed concern after it was brought to his attention that erring PETCs only receive a penalty of P30,000 and a 30-day suspension.

LTO-7 regional director Arnel Tancinco said that their office have suspended and penalized several testing centers in Cebu for submitting fake testing results.

“We have suspended and penalized unscrupulous testing centers here,” said Tancinco, adding that they do not tolerate fake testing results submitted to them.

Aside from slapping penalties, Aquino also urged the LTO to file charges against the PETCs falsifying public documents.

“Our main office has filed several charges against these PETCs,” said Tancinco, who explained that it is only their head office who can determine whether the results are fake or not.

“Ang kami diri sa regional office, we only recommend to our head office to determine fake ba ang result or dili. Once our head office determines fake ang results, then that’s the time they order us to penalize or suspend the operation of such PETCs,” Tancinco further said.

To recall, Aquino filed Senate Resolution 734 to investigate reports that some PETCs engage in illegal activities such as non-appearance scheme or ghost testing of motor vehicles in exchange for additional fees.

The emission compliance certificate is one of the basic requirements of the LTO before a vehicle is processed for renewal registration.

In his resolution, Aquino said illegal activities by some testing centers defeat the purpose of Republic Act 9749 or the Philippine Clean Air Act, which was passed in 1999 to maintain the quality of air and protect human life from the dangers of air pollution.

Under the Clean Air Act, a National Motor Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Program has been established to promote the efficient and safe operation of motor vehicles and ensure the reduction of emissions from motor vehicles.  (FREEMAN)