Makati to start retraining anti-smoke belching enforcers

MANILA, Philippines - The Makati City government will start on Monday the retraining of its anti-smoke belching enforcers in cooperation with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay earlier ordered the suspension of the anti-smoke belching operations of the 

Makati Pollution Control Office (MPCO) and the retraining of its personnel following complaints from motorists of alleged extortion and improper conduct of the emission testing as stated in the guidelines of the Clean Air Act.

"The training will focus on a review of the relevant provisions of the Clean Air Act and its implementing guidelines, including the proper way of identifying and apprehending smoke-belching vehicles, to be led by DENR ASBU (anti-smoke belching unit) officials," Binay said.

The retraining will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Session Hall at the Old City Hall Building.

Binay said an actual demonstration of how to conduct a test for smoke belching vehicles will be held along J.P. Rizal Street in front of the old Makati City Hall. During thendemonstration, Makati anti-smoke belching enforcers will be given step-by-step directions by their DENR counterparts. 

Binaynsaid the city government subjected its men to the intensive retraining while their operations are suspended.

"It is part of ongoing efforts of the city government to address the concerns aired by motorists regarding Makati ASBU operations," Binay said.