MABALACAT CITY -- Motorists are now using social media to air their apprehensions and sentiments against the operation of the Private Motor Vehicle Inspection Center (PMVIC).
The operation of PMVICs is part of the new Motor Vehicle Inspection System (MVIS) being implemented by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) through its Land Transportation Office (LTO) for vehicle roadworthiness.
However, netizens expressed several issues including the singling out of private cars and motorcycles, the high inspection fee, the displacement of insurance and smoke emission test centers including their employees, among others.
"Abolish PMVIC, pahirap talaga yan. Paano kung sasakyan mo ay second hand. E di paulit ulit kang pahihirapan," Victor Bermudez stated in his comment on Facebook.
"Hold up itong PMVIC. Legal na hold up," Eduardo San Jose, another netizen said.
"Bakit kung kailan pandemic saka nila implement and PMVIC? Walang trabaho ang mga tao, walang income. Ano ba yan," William Santiago stated.
A group of motorists, which is asking DOTr and LTO to stop the PMVIC operation, said it is illegal since the franchise was given to private sectors and no consultation was made before its implementation.
Netizens calling for the stoppage of the MVIS have urged motorists to boycott LTO by not securing their vehicle registration.
"The best thing to do is boycott LTO. Motorists are too many to be apprehended due to nonregisration."
"Boycott registration. I don't mind paying the penalty, huwag lang akong matugago ng PMVIC. No to PMVIC. No vote for Tugade," Noel Santa Maria said.
The DOTr and LTO stated that the PMVIC is legal, citing the opinion of the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) dated March 18, 2021.
The OSG said the DOTr and LTO have authority to ensure the roadworthiness of vehicles and consequently implement the MVIS.
According to the OSG, the MVIS is only outsourced and operated under a private sector participation agreement but the government still has direct control and supervision of the roadworthiness testing and motor vehicle registration.
The DOTr also disclosed that it has already addressed the issue of the high inspection fee amounting to P2,500 during the initial implementation of the MVIS.
"Perhaps the most vital issue we have addressed is that even with the full roadworthiness inspection of vehicles, owners will only be charged a rate of P600 for light vehicles and P500 for motorcycles.," it said.
These rates are similar to the rates collected by Private Emission Testing Centers (PETCs), according to the DOTr.
"No additional fees shall likewise be imposed for reinspection or retest," the agency stated.
In Angeles City, insurance and PETC firm employees are joining a series of noise barrages initiated by a group of motorcycle riders.
Hundreds of PETC and insurance firm employees are opposing the PMVIC program, which they say will affect their livelihood.
Only one PMVIC is operating in Angeles City causing a long queue of motor vehicles scheduled to be inspected.
