17,014 smoke belchers nabbed this year - MMDA

A total 17,014 vehicles were apprehended for smoke belching from January to October this year, according to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

Latest data from the Anti-Smoke Belching Task Force (ASBTF) showed that the month of October registered the highest number of apprehensions since the program began in May 2000.

A total of 2,841 was recorded last month, 497 more than the previous high of 2,344 posted on September 2000.

On average, the 10-month total for this year was still the highest ever recorded at 1,701 per month from 1,365 in 2001 and 1,629 in 2000.

The total represents all vehicles that failed roadside emission-testing conducted along EDSA and the other major thoroughfares. The ASBTF said total number of tested vehicles was 19,000.

ASBTF director Ramon Santiago attributed the overall improvement in the apprehension rate to the efficiency of the ASBTF team members.

"The team members are now getting the feel of the machines which in turn has increased their efficiency," Santiago said.

Santiago noted that the apprehension are down only during the rainy reasons particularly during the month of June and July.

The MMDA officially started its smoke-emission testing operations in May 2000 immediately after the passage of the Clean Air Act.

At present, the MMDA has a total of eight opacimeters used for testing emission levels of diesel engines. A total of five teams are deployed daily along different parts of the metropolis.

Santiago said that the teams operate from 6 a.m. to 12 a.m. and even on weekends at randomly selected locations.

He also noted that the number of jeepneys that fail the tests are minimal, contrary to the perception that these vehicles would have no chance of passing.

In voluntary testing conducted by the MMDA on public utility jeepneys, 75 percent of those flagged down passed the emission level standards.

Santiago pointed out that the maintenance of vehicles using diesel actually does not cost much.

Some simple self-maintenance procedures include cleaning mufflers and air filters. Also, vehicles loaded with more than the recommended weight of the manufacturer usually emit more smoke than those carrying normal loads.

In the case of the public utility buses, Santiago said some operators have actually invested in their own opacimeters in order to keep their vehicles within the emission standards.