LTO, DOTr authorize 5 add'l private motor vehicle inspection centers

MANILA: According to the Vehicle Inspection Center Operators Association of the Philippines (VICOAP), three new automated and modern inspection member facilities have been opened to the public, with another two ready for opening during the first and second week of April 2021 with the release of their respective authorization certificates for operation. 

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Private Motor Vehicle Inspection Authorization Committee of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) have given Authorization Certificates to the five VICOAP member private motor vehicle inspection centers (PMVICS), namely, Sta. Clara, in Meycauyan, Bulacan; Blue Circle Motor Vehicle Inspection Center, in Iligan City; Tagbilaran Vehicle Inspection Center, in Tagbilaran City, Bohol; CHECK Motor Vehicle Inspection Center, in Lubao, Pampanga; and MVIC Bacolod by Cimatech, situated in Bredco Port, Bacolod City. 

VICOAP President Iñigo Larrazabal expressed, “We welcome the issuance of the certificates to five of our members. The more PMVIC facilities, especially in the regions, the more convenient, comfortable, and accessible for vehicle owners to make sure that their vehicles are in top condition prior to registration.”

He added, “When we are assured that vehicles are roadworthy and are complying with emission standards, we can rest easy that we will all be able to get to and from our destinations safely. This will decrease the likelihood of a road crash due to mechanical failure."

The DOTR-LTO AC issued the owners a Provisional Authorization to Operate a PMVIC in accordance with Memorandum Circular (MC) 2019-009 dated March 13, 2019, and pursuant on the AC-issued Resolution, which has a validity period of 30 calendar days once the Certificate has been received, the duration set for the PMVIC owners to meet the requirements and begin operations. 

A PMVIC is considered as a government-authorized facility that performs emission compliance and roadworthiness assessments before registration. 

Previously, the DOTr released the Memorandum Circular No. MC-SC-2021-01, which explained that motor vehicle owners can alternatively have their vehicles undergo inspection through a legitimate PMVIC or undergo an emission test from a private firm as well as a roadworthiness assessment at the LTO. 

Larrazabal emphasized that the PMVIC inspection, which employs the utilization of automated and technology-driven procedures, guarantees the authenticity, efficiency, and precision of roadworthiness assessment for a similar fee as that of the emission test provider. 

He said, “We, the PMVIC owners, are committed to keeping our Filipinos safe on the road. As advocates of road safety, we believe that roadworthiness is the key to saving more Filipino lives along our country's streets. We are helping the government and our clients during this pandemic by lowering our fees while still checking the 73-item points, a global best practice."

Furthermore, he disclosed that their clients can be confident with the objective procedures, given transparent processes and minimal human interaction. 

He also emphasized, “Gone are the days when the inspection is subjective because PMVICs use automated equipment that actually measure the worthiness of vehicles. The PMVICs are here to get rid of the old practice of non-appearance and 'under-the-table' transactions.  These practices are not possible in our system. And, should there be complaints on the systems and processes, clients can come to VICOAP for assistance."

VICOAP is regarded as a private and non-profit organization consisting of accredited Motor Vehicle Inspection Centers (MVIC) in the country and industry stakeholders. Its sole purpose is to maintain environmental compliance and roadworthiness of vehicles. 

Photos from the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Office (LTO)

Also read:  VICOAP looks to up roadworthiness standards and safety on the road