LTO resumes vehicle registration at CEZA

The Land Transportation Office has resumed the registration of imported vehicles at Cagayan Export Zone Authority in Port Irene in Cagayan in compliance with a temporary restraining order (TRO) issued by a Regional Trial Court against EO 156.

Alberto Suansing, LTO chief said he ordered the processing of all vehicles, which were already cleared by the Bureau of Customs and Bureau of Internal Revenue.

“ We will comply with the court order, “ Suansing told The STAR in a telephone interview.

He said there was a minor confusion among LTO personnel after CEZA announced that it would no longer issue gate passes to more than 1,000 vehicles in the area.

Suansing, however, said with the 17-day TRO issued by the court they have no choice but to comply with the court order.

The TRO has enjoined the BOC, BIR, LTO and other government agencies from implementing EO 156, which banned the importation of second hand vehicles into the country.

Customs Commissioner Napoleon Morales has earlier clarified that EO 156 covers only second hand cars and sports utility vehicles (SUV). Ambulances, trucks and heavy equipment are included in the ban.

The Auto Rebuilding Industry in Cagayan (ARIC) president Jaime Vicente hailed the decision as initial legal victory for a homegrown industry borne out of the skills of Filipino in rebuilding used vehicles.

“The 17-day TRO extension has given lifeline, a breathing spell for the industry borne out of the skills and craftsmanship of Filipinos in rebuilding used vehicles,” Vicente said. – Perseus Echeminada