Anti-smoke belching drive intensified

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) has been running after vehicles belching black smokes.

For the first quarter of this year, CCTO deputy chief for operations and information officer Paul Gotiong said at least 400 vehicles emitting dark smokes were already reported.

Gotiong said these vehicles were delivery vans and trucks from random locations.

“Gi-highlight lang gyud na namo para makahibawo sad ang mga tawo ba nga dili lang magpasagad bitaw og gamit sa ilahang mga truck, nga mag-smoke belching,” said Gotiong.

As of now, Gotiong said the penalty for such is a fine of P500.

CCTO has been conducting surprise emission testing to determine which vehicles emit dark smokes.

“Since ang target man gud ani niya maigo nato is mostly trucks and delivery vans, ang awhag lang nato ani is for the operators or owners mas maayo gyud na ilang ipabutang og regular maintenance,” said Gotiong.

“Gihimo ni siya’ng bawal kay maka-affect ni siya sa atong environment and then at the same time ang kani man gu’ng atong black smoke is kuyaw sad ni sa atoang health,” he added.

Gotiong said they are looking after delivery vans and trucks for possible smoke belching since the traditional public utility jeepneys have already undergone the emission test before they were allowed to operate again in the city.

Last year, the Cebu City Council requested CCTO to strictly implement Ordinance No. 2111 which provides for vehicle emission policies and penalties.

CO 2111, known as the “Vehicle Emissions Control Ordinance of the City of Cebu,” aims to prevent, control and abate the emissions of air pollutants from motor vehicles to protect health and welfare of the people in the city, and promote environmental sustainability.

The ordinance, principally authored by Councilor Nestor Archival, sets parameters for regulating emissions of motor vehicles plying the city streets, and imposes corresponding penalties for violations.

Under the law, vehicles spotted and apprehended for smoke belching could be fined between P1,000 and P5,000 depending on the degrees of violation. — KQD (FREEMAN)