Move to ban used vehicle imports hit

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — The call of Malacañang for Congress to pass a law banning the entry of used vehicles has been the subject of criticisms from various sectors here, particularly those benefiting from the industry.

Peter Geroue, president of the Motor Vehicle Importers Association (MVIA), told The STAR in a phone interview that there is no need for Malacañang to put pressure on Congress because it has already ruled out any violations of existing laws covering the importation and conversion of right-hand drive (RHD) vehicles here.

Labor groups, student organizations, machine shop operators, fish and vegetable dealers, and traders of second-hand vehicles are protesting the move of Malacañang to provide undue protection to brand new vehicle importers and traders.

The groups cited the reports of the House committees on transportation and communications as well as trade and industry during the 12th Congress which both investigated the importation of RHD vehicles for about two years.

"The new House investigation would be a waste of time and taxpayers’ money because the legal issues pertaining to the importation of RHD vehicles into the Subic Freeport, including their conversion, has already been raised and resolved by Congress itself," Geroue said.

Geroue informed President Arroyo that thousands of skilled workers here, particularly those engaged in automotive rebuilding, are facing uncertainties because of the government’s lack of sympathy to their industry.