LTO eyeing 'one strike policy'

MANILA, Philippines - The Land Transportation Office is eyeing the adoption of a tough “one strike policy” on erring private emission testing centers (PETCs) found to be engaging in anomalous car smoke tests particularly in so-called “non-appearance” tests.

Assistant Secretary Virginia Torres, LTO chief, announced the plan to PETCs and other stakeholders in the LTO smoke emission testing centers as she aired her leadership’s commitment to finally put an end to NA cases that is allowing smoke-belchers to litter the country’s major thoroughfares despite mandatory smoke emission testing.

“Certainly, we are studying and considering that option (of one strike policy), but let me stress that as much as possible we do not want to resort to that drastic move. So, once again I would like to appeal to all of you to please stop this illegal practice” Torres told operators of PETCs.

The one strike policy means that the LTO would recommend the immediate closure of PETCs once they are found to have facilitated the non-appearance practice.

Bobby Ricohermoso, LTO public affairs offi­cer, said that the policy would mean immediate closure unlike the present arrangement where an erring PETC was allowed to operate while appealing or contesting a case.

At present, there are 43 PETCs that are undergoing investigation over reports that they are engaged in the issuance of dubious emission certificates.

“Recent studies have shown that one of the major causes of the worsening air pollution is the continued proliferation of smoke belching vehicles that roam the country’s major thoroughfares and streets” she said.

“ The number of these smoke belchers continues to rise because of test centers that issue falsified results to the vehicle owners” she said.

A legitimate certificate of environmental compliance is necessary before a motor vehicle is registered before the LTO in accordance with the requirements of the Clean Air Act law.