DTI to issue new rules for emission testing centers

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is issuing a new set of guidelines for the accreditation of applicants who wish to operate private emission testing centers (PETCs).

The DTI is issuing the new guidelines following its decision to nullify the initial pre-qualification procedures due to irregularities.

The initial pre-qualification process was nullified upon the recommendation of a three-man ad hoc committee formed by Trade Undersecretary Adrian S. Cristobal Jr. to verify the allegation of anomalies.

"The DTI will publish new guidelines to ensure more transparency," Cristobal said, adding that "with the issuance of new guidelines, the confidence of businessmen and entrepreneurs who earlier applied as PETC operators will be restored."

Cristobal also said the issuance of new guidelines will ensure the safety of the public and would provide a level playing field for all prospective applicants.

He said that despite the change in the application procedure, new applicants continue to send letters of intent.

As of June 18 this year, Cristobal said 32 new applicants had expressed their intention to seek accreditation as PETC operators.

"To date, five companies have already been awarded their certificates of accreditation," he said.

These companies include Mancor Industries Inc., Diamond Motor Corp. (Quezon City); Signet Distributors Inc. (Mandaluyong) and BSC Emission Testing Center (Bataan and Pampanga).

Seven other applicants are scheduled for inspection by the accreditation teams.