Group slams Poe for blocking vehicle inspection centers

MANILA, Philippines — Party-list group Alyansa ng mga Grupong Haligi ng Agham at Teknolohiya Para sa Mamamayan (AGHAM) yesterday criticized Sen. Grace Poe for opposing the operations of private motor vehicle inspection centers (PMVICs).

In a statement sent to The STAR, AGHAM president and former congressman Angelo Palmones questioned Poe for advocating the current practice, which uses private emission testing centers (PETCs).

“Is she really that blind, deaf and ignorant to the fact that the current system does nothing to ensure the road worthiness and environmental compliance of vehicles? We can only conclude that such a conscious effort to turn a blind eye to the failure of PETCs only means that she is protecting their interests,” Palmones pointed out.

He said the PMVICs, which conduct roadworthiness inspections of vehicles prior to registration renewals, promote clean environment and public safety.

“PMVICs are the next step in ensuring road safety. AGHAM condemns the senator for getting in the way of progress. It is time to put an end to the rolling coffins and environmentally unsound vehicles that continue to ply our roads,” Palmones said.

Motorists have slammed the mandatory PMVIC testing, prompting the transportation department to suspend its implementation.