After free cars and free fuel, Hidilyn Diaz gets free vehicle inspections 

Weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz saved the Philippines from yet another disappointing Olympic foray with her historic gold medal win. Now living the gearhead dream with two new cars and a lifetime supply of fuel, she gets to save on vehicle inspections, too.

We'd be all smiles too with every blessing that the country's first Olympic gold medal brings

On its Facebook page, the Vehicle Inspection Center Operators Association of the Philippines (VICOAP) applauded Diaz on her feat in bringing home the country’s first gold medal from the Games in almost 100 years. More importantly, it’s adding another gift to the shower of blessings raining on the four-time Olympian. 

“Our heartfelt congratulations to you, Ms. Hidilyn Diaz, for bringing home the first Filipino Olympic Gold Medal! We value your contribution to our country and have made us truly proud,” the statement began. 

“Allow us, in turn, to serve you the best way we know how – by providing a lifetime free vehicle inspection at any member Private Motor Vehicle Inspection Center (PMVIC) nationwide, not only to assist you in complying with the vehicle registration requirement, but more importantly, to ensure your safety.”        

The lifetime offer covers vehicles now owned by Diaz, including a brand-new Kia Stonic   

The offer allows Diaz to keep Php 1,200 that she would otherwise need to spend every three years for having her two vehicles checked as part of renewing their registrations. There’s no mention of re-testing fees in case the cars fail the inspection, but it’s possible that those will be waived for her as well. Besides, the re-testing fees in general are currently suspended anyway as of this writing.       

Considering the current controversy surrounding PMVICs, it’s not a stretch to believe that Diaz could become an unofficial endorser of sorts, in a bid to encourage more motorists to avail of the service. The only difference, apart from the free inspection, is that Diaz’s privilege extends to PMVICs nationwide. Most car owners will have to contend with vehicle inspections at PMVICs that are under the jurisdiction of their respective Land Transportation Office (LTO) district offices.   

In any case, we think that our newly minted Olympic gold medalist truly deserves this offer. At the same time, we could only mutter under our breath that one wish every motorist is bound to make: "Sana all."  

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