LTO to open 32 automated testing centers by the end of August

Updated Aug 12, 2020 | Same topic: Automotive Industry Updates

DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade says this will reduce the opportunities for corruption.  

The strict implementation of social distancing in the country has caused mayhem in emission testing centers. Some claim they arrive at an emission testing center as early as 5 a.m. and leave at noon.

Many efforts are done to solve this issue. Cagayan De Oro City 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez is prompting the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to temporarily suspend emission test as a requirement until the end of the year.

Unfortunately, this would violate the Philippine Clean Air Act or R.A. 8749.

A car emitting black smoke

This will eliminate the emission requirement issue amid the COVID-19 pandemic

>>> Related: Congressman: Suspend emission test as vehicle registration requirement

LTO, however, has other plans as the agency and DOTr announced that they will open 32 automated testing centers by the end of this month.

Private Motor Vehicle Inspection Centers (PMVICs) are privately-owned automated vehicle inspection facilities that will help fast-track the emission testing in the country. These 32 automated testing centers are situated in the following areas:

Luzon
Visayas
Mindanao
  • San Fernando, La Union
  • Vigan, Ilocos Sur
  • Laoag, Ilocos Norte
  • Lingayen and Alaminos, Pangasinan
  • Angeles, Pampanga
  • Dasmariñas, Cavite
  • San Pedro, Laguna
  • Calapan, Mindoro
  • Pasig City
  • Valenzuela City
  • Pamplona, Camarines Sur
  • Pili, Camarines Sur
  • Sorsogon City
  • Daet, Camarines Norte
  • Roxas City, Capiz
  • Mandaue, Cebu (2 sites)
  • Danao, Cebu
  • Naga, Cebu
  • Dumaguete, Negros Oriental (2 sites)
  • Tagbilaran, Bohol
  • Tubigon, Bohol
  • Bais, Negros Oriental
  • Maasin City, Southern Leyte
  • Ormoc City, Leyte
  • Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay
  • Iligan, Lanao del Norte
  • Ozamis, Misamis Occidental
  • Mati, Davao Oriental
  • Panabo, Davao del Norte
  • General Santos City, Cotabato

PMVICs use automated machines to check a vehicle’s compliance with emission standards and a vehicle’s roadworthiness. The LTO IT system and PMVIC are currently identifying issues and glitches that may occur once the automated testing centers started operating.

>>> Related: 6 FAQs about emission test in the Philippines

The Secretary of DOTr

Department of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade [Source: Wikipedia]

DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade ensures everyone that the automated machine will provide accurate readings and this will eliminate the opportunities for corruption.

PMVICs are targeting to open and additional of 29 testing centers in September, as well as 14 in October, three in November, five in December, and 25 in January 2021.

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Rex Sanchez

Rex Sanchez

Author

Rex Sanchez grew up in Saudi Arabia where he saw and got into the automotive scene. He started his career for an aviation company in the said region, writing about turbines and rotors which are later distributed for educational purposes. And now, he joined Philkotse.com as a staff writer. Currently, he is the youngest on the team and is more than ready to grow in the field.

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