The Sangguniang Panlungsod of San Fernando, La Union recently passed a resolution suspending the operations of private motor vehicle inspection center (PMVIC) in the city.
In a Facebook post, the Sangguniang Panlungsod – City of San Fernando, La Union said that all present members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod unanimously approved during a session presided by City Vice Mayor Alf Ortega the passing of a resolution suspending the operations of PMVIC in the city.
This developed after the Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Transportation and Traffic Management met with a representative from the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to address the concerns and issues involving the PMVIC.
The city council said the move to suspend the local operations of PMVIC was based on the following grounds:
- The inspection and re-inspection fees for motor vehicles set by the PMVICs add to the heavy burden already being experienced by everyone on account of the prevailing health emergency.
- The PMVIC based in the city may have violated Section 19 of the LTO Memorandum Circular No. 2018-2158, which provides that the complaints and feedback of customers should be monitored and analyzed, and the contents of the LTO’s Quality Management Procedure Manual should be observed in Handling Client’s complaints related to the implementation of the motor vehicle inspection system (MVIS).
- Pursuant to the General Welfare clause of Republic Act No. 7160 (Local Government Code), The City Government must ascertain and ensure that the PMVIC is qualified, has the required equipment and facilities, has qualified and properly trained technical personnel, has complied with all relevant laws and rules, has proper authorization from the LTO, and has observed relevant local ordinances. Thus, the concerned officials and personnel of the City Government need time to check and observe the facilities’ operations and personnel of PMVIC to ensure that they are able and ready to efficiently deliver the service that owners of private vehicles deserve and pay for.
“These grounds served as basis for the unanimous decision of the Legislative body to approve the said resolution,” it said.
The suspension came on the heels of a nationwide noise barrage by members of anti-crime watchdog Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption and environmental group Clean Air Movement Philippines Inc. to protest against the PMVIC.
PMVICs are the stand-alone one-stop testing centers built by independent investors across various locations around the country. These centers will perform the necessary tests mandated by LTO for vehicle registration and/or renewal.
