LTO contractor backs NBI car smoke test probe

MANILA, Philippines - The computerization contractor of the Land Transportation Office (LTO), Stradcom Corp., said yesterday it fully supports any drive by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to go after private emission testing centers (PETCs) engaging in irregularities in the smoke emission testing process. 

Stradcom, which also operates the LTO’s Direct Connection facility, said it has cut off two PETCs found to have engaged in the illegal manufacture of certificates of compliance (CECs) used in the “non-appearance” cases at the LTO – Enviroguard and Smoke in the City.

“These PETCs will not be able to transact business with the motoring public,“ Stradcom said in a statement.

Recently, authorities have also discovered illegal activities of PETCs connected under Eurolink Network International, Real Data Management Services Inc. and ETC IT Inc.  

The DOTC is presently conducting a thorough review of the PETC system. The Clean Air Act made car smoke emission tests a requirement before a motor vehicle’s registration can be renewed with the LTO.