More than 200 PMVIC sites set to open nationwide, DOTr says

The mandatory use of the Private Motor Vehicle Inspection Center (PMVIC) has been suspended due to the issues it is facing from the motoring public. With its suspension and backlashes, some might think that the Department of Transportation (DOTr) is planning to abolish the system.

PMVIC is widening its reach

But that won’t be the case as the PMVIC seems to stick around for the years to come. In a statement by DOTr Secretary Art Tugade, he said that the government agency is eyeing to expand the network of the PMVIC nationwide. 

The DOTr previously said that there were a total of 138 identified PMVIC sites as of last August 2020. Now, the agency shared that it is looking to have 209 additional PMVIC sites, which will open across the Philippines. 

Once the number of PMVICs are readily available in the country, that’s the time the DOTr will start imposing the mandatory use of the said system. Tugade describes this expansion as a critical mass of population. Although, the government agency hasn’t disclosed the official dates for the system’s mandatory use just yet.

“Until and unless we have achieved what I call a critical mass of population of PETCs and PMVICs, then that is the time you speak of mandatory,” said DOTr Secretary Art Tugade.

More motorists will be able to use the PMVIC soon

In the meantime, Tugade stated that motorists can still freely choose whether to opt for a PMVIC or PETC. He added that motorists shouldn’t have a difficult time choosing as the testing and inspection fees of the two systems are similar. Both systems are accepted by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) for motor vehicle registration.

“My position, insofar as the PMVIC and PETC is concerned, is to let the consumer and riding public choose whether to have their vehicle tested in a PMVIC or PETC,” noted Tugade.

The LTO clarified that the mandatory PMVIC inspection is still suspended. This means that motorists can still opt to acquire the services of a PMVIC or a private emissions testing center (PETC) for the required LTO inspection as one of the steps in renewing their cars. 

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