LTO to probe emission test anomalies

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) will investigate information technology (IT) providers hired by private emission testing centers (PETCs) that failed to submit data on real-time emission tests for the registration of vehicles.

LTO director Alberto Suansing ordered the probe following complaints over the “non-appearance” cases wherein vehicles that did not undergo emission testing were registered with the LTO. Such cases make it possible for aging and poorly maintained vehicles to be registered with the LTO.

One of the IT providers under investigation is Cyberlink Inc., which allegedly failed to follow real-time uploading of emission photos and data.

The procedure is part of a joint project of the LTO and the PETCs to eradicate unscrupulous testing centers. The project involves installing web cameras in every test center to record all transactions made by the PETC.

Officials of IT providers ETCIT, Eurolink and RDMS had written Suansing to complain against Cyberlink, and asked him to undertake the necessary action against the firm to send a strong message to the industry.

“We are concerned about the harm it would bring the entire emission test industry if such illegal practice will be allowed to continue,” the complainants said. “We hope the LTO would act on it immediately.”     – Rainier Allan Ronda