Palace: Emission test or MVIS still required for registration renewal

Having your car checked for roadworthiness is still a requirement for registration renewal, even as President Rodrigo Duterte ordered not to make the Motor Vehicle Inspection System (MVIS) mandatory.

Motorists have a choice between emission testing facilities and the newer vehicle inspection centers for registration renewal

Malacañang clarified that the decision is to allow motorists a choice between standard private emission testing centers (PETC) or the new private motor vehicle inspection centers (PMVIC) in certifying cars for roadworthiness before the registration can be renewed.

“Meron tayong clarification…Kinakailangan pa rin po na mag-submit ng either iyong emission clearance or MVIS,” according to Palace spokesman Harry Roque in a televised public briefing. (We wish to clarify that either an emissions clearance or MVIS clearance must be submitted as part of vehicle registration renewal)

Motorists have complained about the high cost of having their vehicles inspected by PMVICs, with fees ranging from Php 1,500 to Php 1,800 for four-wheeled units and Php 600 for motorcycles. Roque adds that PMVIC operators have agreed to lower the fees indefinitely in consideration of financial challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, while retesting fees will not be collected for a year.

PMVIC fees will also be lowered in the meantime 

>>> Related: Senate: Suspend implementation of new Motor Vehicle Inspection System

“Alinsunod sa panawagan ng ating Presidente, ang mga may-ari ng private motor vehicle inspection centers na nagsabi na kapareho lamang ang sisingilin nila na Php 600. Kapareho po yan ng mga emission test centers bagamat ang serbisyo na ibibigay nila ay 73 roadworthy inspection check points,” he said. (In line with our President’s call, owners of private motor vehicle inspection centers have agreed to charge Php 600. This is the same rate as emission testing centers, even if PMVICs will conduct 73 roadworthy inspection check points)

Transport authorities devised the MVIS to modernize vehicle inspections, using facilities and automated equipment to test the roadworthiness of both private and public vehicles. The implementation has been far from smooth, with reports of dealer-maintained vehicles failing the inspection process, vehicle damage arising from improper drivetrain testing, and equipment error registering inaccurate noise readings.

One local government unit has voted to suspend the operations of the PMVIC in its area, while senators have called to defer the implementation of the new inspection process.

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